England qualifies for South Africa on a high with a five-star performance against Croatia

With arguably the best performance under England’s Fabio Capello era of success, the Three Lions thrashed a despicable Croatia side by the score of 5-1.

There was clear pregame animosity as much had been said about avenging the infamous defeat to Slaven Bilic’s side on home soil. Last time around Croatia shattered hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008, while Wednesday night it had been about securing a spot in South Africa next summer.

But England refused to succumb to Bilic’s mind games, and the squad started like a team intent on revenge. The Croatian visitors could not cope with the pace of Aaron Lennon and the purpose of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, who both scored two goals apiece, while Eduardo replied before Wayne Rooney was gifted a fifth.

Usain Bolt was at Wembley Stadium to behold the glorious end to England’s perfect qualifying campaign, but on the day it was Lennon who ran Croatia ragged in front of the world’s fastest man.

Capello, England’s mastermind, selected and was rewarded with a blistering man-of-the-match performance from fleet-footed Tottenham star Lennon, who created two goals, plus a chance for Emile Heskey and one he was denied himself.

The England manager believes that he has completely reversed the negative mindsets of his English stars, who failed to qualify for Euro 2008 just two years ago.

Capello said, “"The result is really, really important. 5-1 against Croatia here at Wembley where we lost last time - it is really good for the psychology of the players.“

"We aren’t the best team in the world - this is sure - but we have to wait until next June when we will play in South Africa,” he stated.

Before Capello took over, some critics questioned whether England’s best midfielders Lampard and Gerrard could play together and emulate their respective club form, something which has been answered emphatically during this qualification campaign.

Capello added: “I think the good players can play together - they are really good players and the quality of both is really fantastic.”

Frank Lampard was one of three players that started the disasterous game against Croatia at Wembley almost two years ago, and believes that the win on Wednesday was England’s best performance of the group stages so far.

Lampard remarked, “After the lows of two years ago this is the highest really and it’s a moment to enjoy and after that I am hoping to keep working hard and improving and get better for the World Cup.”

“We will keep a level head, it’s important the fans enjoy it, they should enjoy it because two years ago nobody enjoyed it so let’s enjoy it.”

“I am enjoying my football again for England and I am playing in a team that’s got such work rate and such quality in it I just want to keep enjoying it and keep going.”