Walcott hat-trick gives England stunning win over Croatia
Walcott followed his first England goal with two more in the same game
Also In The News
|
Fly-half James Hook was in sensational form as he guided the Ospreys to a thumping 32-10 win over the Cardiff Blues at the Liberty Stadium. |  |
Wednesday, 10, Sep 2008 11:18
Theo Walcott scored a hat-trick to help England to avenge their defeats in the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Croatia with an incredible 4-1 win in Zagreb.
Walcott put the visitors ahead in the first half and England then ran rampant in the second half, capitalising on their numerical advantage after Robert Kovac was sent off for a foul on Joe Cole.
The performance was easily the best since Fabio Capello took charge of the team at the start of the year, while the Italian's predictions about the players being under less pressure away from home have seemingly been proven right.
Walcott in particular played with great freedom having been given the start on the right of midfield ahead of David Beckham. He tormented Josip Simunic all night with his pace and it was no surprise to see Simunic booked midway through the first half.
The first 20 minutes of the match was a close affair, with Niko Kovac and Luka Modric battling with Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard for midfield supremacy.
However, it was Wayne Rooney and Walcott who were able to make the difference for England.
With 25 minutes gone the Arsenal midfielder benefitted when Danijel Pranjic's attempted clearance came back off Kovac and rebounded into his path. He then lashed past it past the goalkeeper into the bottom corner with ease.
England seemed to grow in confidence following the goal and deserved to lead 1-0 at the break.
Eight minutes into the second half Kovac caught Cole with his elbow causing a nasty head injury to the Chelsea midfielder. Cole had to be stretchered off and the referee had no option but to dismiss Kovac.
Worse was to come for Croatia as England doubled their lead almost immediately. Rooney was the provider and he set Walcott free to score his second of the night.
Four minutes later England made it 3-0 as the Croatian defence failed to adjust following the sending off. Substitute Jermaine Jenas pulled the ball back and Rooney guided the ball into the right side of the goal.
It was the Manchester United player's first goal for England since their 2-1 defeat to Russia 11 months ago.
Croatia managed very few meaningful attacks in the second half but caught England on the break to snatch a consolation goal, Mario Mandzukic beating David James with a smart shot.
There was still plenty of time left in the match and England broke forward with great intent again soon after the Croatian goal. Rooney was once more the provider as Walcott completed his hat-trick.
England now top Group six with two wins from their opening two matches and will hope to stretch their advantage when they face Kazakhstan in October.