England vs. Lithuania: Score, Grades and Reaction from Euro 2016 Qualifier

England's band of attacking brothers led the country to an easy win on Friday night, dismantling Lithuania, 4-0, at Wembley.

Roy Hodgson opted to keep the tried-and-tested partnership of Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck in the attacking positions, and both players returned that faith with goals. 

Tottenham prodigy Harry Kane started the game as a sub and came on to great cheers from the sold-out crowd, having a spectacular impact on his arrival in the second half.

England started the match in fine fettle as Welbeck and Rooney raided the Lithuania goal with fire and pace. 

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

The Manchester United skipper went close early on, as he hit the post in the opening moments of the contest, with the ball rolling agonisingly along the goal line. 

But despair immediately turned to joy as Rooney converted in the sixth minute to give England the lead. Welbeck saw his attempt saved, only to follow in and head the ball into the net.

The Guardian's Owen Gibson called the strike, highlighting Rooney's new goals total, with Opta pointing out England's attacking start:

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

England continued to pile on the pressure as Lithuania sat back. And the visitors struggled to add any tempo to their game in their rare movements going forward, making it easy for Hodgson's side. 

The 18th minute saw Rooney once again hit the woodwork after a fine Welbeck cross, but it was not until a minute before the break that England would double their lead.

A Jordan Henderson cross was headed and glanced toward Welbeck, and a strong deflection saw the fall fly past the goalkeeper, giving Welbeck a deserved reward. 

England strolled into the Wembley dressing room in full command at half-time, 2-0, and content with their night's work so far.

Paul Hayward of The Telegraph commented on the lack of threat from Lithuania, with Gibson calling the visitors "comically bad":

The second half continued in similar fashion, with England comfortable and in control. And the Wembley fans only had to wait until the 58th minute for the lead to increase as Raheem Sterling grabbed his first international goal. 

Rooney crossed the ball from the right, only for the Liverpool winger to meet the ball at the near post, slotting the ball away.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

With the game won, Hodgson prepared Kane for action, and the Tottenham striker replaced Rooney with 20 minutes left on the clock.

But Kane needed just a matter of seconds to record his first goal at full international level, heading home Sterling's assist. 

The Daily Telegraph's Henry Winter called the action as Kane made history:

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

England were in full flow in the closing moments, with Sterling and Kane running at the Lithuanian defence whenever they pleased.

But the game ended as an incredibly convincing victory for the English team, as they enjoyed the final minutes of the match in pure comfort.

Selected Player Ratings

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Wayne Rooney: A-

It was a wonderful striking performance from England's mercurial talisman. Rooney was a danger all night long and linked up superbly with ex-United partner Welbeck. 

This was his best game in an England shirt for many months. 

Danny Welbeck: B+

Welbeck was in inspired form as he showed signs of maturity and excellence. Welbeck's ability to run the channel always allows his strike partners to take centre stage, and the Mancunian fully deserved his goal.

Harry Kane: A

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Is there anything the new boy wonder of English football cannot do? Despite Rooney and Welbeck justifying their selections on the night, it was Kane who stole the headlines with his magnificent debut strike. 

Post-Match Reaction

Hodgson spoke with delight after his side's convincing display and was excited at Kane's "fairy tale" debut.

Matt Law of The Telegraph quoted the England coach immediately after the final whistle:

"

It’s fantastic for Harry. We’re so delighted for him. It is a bit of a fairy tale, but it’s nice when fairy tales come true, and it’s come true for Harry. He’s crowned his England debut with a well-taken goal. It couldn’t be better really.

There's been a lot of pressure and hype around him, and it's fantastic that he made a good run to the back post, Sterling produces a bit of magic and he scores a great goal. We hope that's the start of a great career for him.

"

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Kane also spoke of his dream start in an England shirt but was his usual level-headed self in his comments, per Law:

"

It's not a bad start. I dreamed of this and it's just a bit of a blur at the moment. I'm delighted for the lads. It's the best moment of my career. To represent my country at senior level is the top and, hopefully, I can continue to keep doing it and, hopefully, this goal is the first of many.

"

England now take on Italy in Turin on Tuesday, where Kane will almost definitely make his first start for his nation.