Walcott leads England to victory

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The visitors laid to rest the ghost of previous defeats against Slaven Bilic's men, who beat them twice in their last campaign, in a victory that will rank up there with Germany in Munich and Holland at Wembley. Wayne Rooney, who had a hand in all of Walcott's goals, struck the other.

Croatia, who had Robert Kovac dismissed for a challenge on Joe Cole, pulled one back through Mario Mandzukic but nothing could dampen the spirits of the England fans, who were behind the goal where Paul Robinson's air-kick gifted the home side side victory nearly two years ago.

The hosts made the better start and the pressure steadily mounted on England although resolute defending denied the Croats any clear-cut opportunities.

Fabio Capello's men went ahead through Walcott in the 26th minute - but they were given a helping hand by the Croatian defence. Danijel Pranjic's clearance rebounded off Josip Simunic into the path of Walcott but the teenager made the most of his fortune as he drilled a fierce low shot across Stipe Pletikosa into the corner of the net.

After 53 minutes Croatia were reduced to 10 men when Kovac was sent off for an aerial challenge which left Cole bloodied - and replaced by Jermaine Jenas.

England almost instantly made their numerical advantage count - with Walcott striking for the second time. Emile Heskey and Rooney were involved in the build-up before the overlapping Walcott had time to pick his spot and send a low shot across Pletikosa, mirroring his effort for the first goal.

England were now rampant and in the 63rd minute Rooney ended his 11 month international scoring drought. Ashley Cole won the ball off Darijo Srna, picked out the run of Jenas and his low cross from the left flank was clinically despatched by the Manchester United star.

Frank Lampard had an effort ruled out for offside before Mandzukic beat David James from close range with 12 minutes remaining.

But Walcott ended any hopes of a late Croatian revival as he collected a Rooney pass and clipped the ball wide of Pletikosa for his hat-trick.