England routed San Marino 8-0 Friday night in a World Cup qualifier for its largest victory margin in 26 years.
San Marino, tied for 207th and last in the FIFA rankings, fell behind on Alessandro Della Valle's own goal in the 12th minute at Serravalle. Jermain Defoe got two goals, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ashley Young, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge scored. Rooney's goal was his 34th for England.
England's victory margin was its largest since beating Turkey 8-0 in a European Championship qualifier in 1987.
Montenegro (4-0-1) leads Europe Group H by two points over England (3-0-2) going into a head-to-head matchup Tuesday in Podgorica. The group winner qualifies for next year's tournament in Brazil, and the second-place team likely will go to a playoff.
San Marino (0-5) is last and has been outscored 24-0.
