World Cup 2010 Qualifying: Croatia 1 England 4

The 19-year-old got the nod to start ahead of David Beckham and he drilled England ahead, before Robert Kovac was sent off for an elbow on Joe Cole. Walcott grabbed a carbon-copy second and soon after the exceptional Wayne Rooney slotted in a brilliant third. Mario Mandzukic notched a consolation for Croatia, before Walcott collected Rooney's pass and rolled in his third.

It was a magnificent performance and more than coach Fabio Capello can have dreamed of. The result puts England firmly in control of Group Six after two wins in five days, but Capello will be even more delighted by the manner of his team's triumph.

Croatia suffered their first competitive defeat at home and it was sweet revenge for England, beating the team that ended their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008. It was a far cry from England's limp displays under Steve McClaren and they were far superior in every department. In the wonderful Walcott, they had a player who frightened the life out of the hosts whenever he got the ball.

Capello Hails England 'Courage'
England manager Fabio Capello said the secret to the 4-1 win against Croatia in Zagreb was that his side played with "confidence and courage". He saw Theo Walcott, 19, hit a hat-trick as England dominated their opponents and inflicted on them a first defeat in a competitive match at home. "We played with confidence and no fear from the first minute," said Capello. "The players played like they do in training - technically well and with courage. This is the start."

The Italian singled out Arsenal winger Walcott, who set England on their way with his first international goal - and later added another two to cap a superb individual display.