England cruise to 5-0 victory in Moldova
ENGLAND got their World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign off to the perfect start on Friday night with a 5-0 victory over Moldova in Chisinau.
Those who lumped on the Three Lions at 1-3 to win the Group H match had little to worry about after Frank Lampard - who was 7-1 to score first - converted from the penalty spot after just three minutes.
Lampard and Jermain Defoe added two more before the break, and James Milner and Leighton Baines wrapped things up in the second half. The only other Group H game of the night saw Montenegro and Poland draw 2-2.
England were not expected to struggle against Moldova but there will be tougher tests in the group starting with Ukraine, who visit Wembley on Tuesday. Ladbrokes cut Roy Hodgson's men to 16-1 from 20-1 to win every game in the group.
Wales lost 2-0 at home to Belgium due to goals from Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen, while Euro 2012 finalists Italy had to settle for a 2-2 draw away to Bulgaria and Portugal came from behind to beat minnows Luxembourg 2-1.
