LIVE: San Marino v England - the World Cup qualifier as it happens from the Stadio Olimpico



San Marino 0-5 England (8pm)

San Marino: Aldo Simoncini, Fabio Vitaioli, Palazzi, Alessandro Della Valle, Davide Simoncini, Cervellini, Gasperoni, Cibelli, Fabio Bollini, Selva, Matteo Vitaioli.
Subs: Federico Valentini, Bacciocchi, Bianchi, Buscarini, Coppini, Alex Della Valle, Rinaldi, Carlo Valentini, Vannucci.
England: Hart, Walker, Smalling, Lescott, Baines, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lampard, Cleverley, Young, Rooney, Defoe.
Subs: Foster, Parker, Cole, Taylor, Caulker, Milner, Gerrard, Carrick, Osman, Welbeck, Sturridge, Forster.
Goal: Alessandro Della Valle (og) 12, Oxlade-Chamberlain 28, Defoe 36, Young 39, Lampard 42.
Referee: Alain Bieri (Switzerland)
Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the World Cup qualifiers as England visit San Marino in a Group H match at the Stadio Olimpico in Serravalle.
The Three Lions are almost certain to stroll to victory in the clash against the minnows who at 207th are the worst ranked side in the world.
As well as three points, Roy Hodgson's team will also target to win by a high score knowing that goal difference could play a major role in the group standings at the end of the qualifying campaign.
Elsewhere in Group A, Scotland host Wales at Hampden Park hoping to avenge their 2-1 defeat from earlier in the group to Chris Coleman's side.
Send me your thoughts on the action at dan.ripley@dailymail.co.uk or contact me on Twitter @Ripinho.
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20.51: From Sportsmail's Charles Sale in Serravalle:
'The more goals England score without Wayne Rooney getting on the score sheet is going to get interesting in the second half.'
20.48: There's been a goal in first half injury time at Hampden Park and it's come from a Grant Hanley header to put Scotland ahead against Wales.
Half-time: San Marino 0-5 England
45min: From former England striker Michael Owen:
'Don't really do regrets but if I did, I regret not playing against San Marino in my career! Seems to do wonders for your goals tally!'
42min: GOAL! San Marino 0-5 ENGLAND
The scoreline is looking good now for England as Frank Lampard finishes well with a side-foot finish from a Baines cross.
39min: GOAL! San Marino 0-4 ENGLAND
They are flying in now, but this is the pick of the bunch so far as Ashley Young crashes home a 25-yard strike into the top corner. Not many keepers would have stopped that to be fair to Simoncini.
36min: GOAL! San Marino 0-3 ENGLAND
Third time lucky for Jermain Defoe. The Spurs hitman scores his first goal of 2013 after Oxlade-Chamberlain's headed assist at the back post enables the striker to tap home from a yard out.
34min: The ball's in the net but on this occasion the offside flag saves San Marino as Defoe is ruled offside from Ashley Young's short square pass across goal for the Tottenham striker to tap home.
31min: From Sportsmail's Charles Sale at Serravalle:
'Leighton Baines is now such an accomplished  attacking left-sided player. There is a case for  playing both him and Ashley Cole against Montenegro next Tuesday.'
28min: GOAL! San Marino 0-2 ENGLAND
Great move by England. After good work from Kyle Walker, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain plays a one-two with Wayne Rooney inside a very congested penalty area before firing past Aldo Simoncini. The points are sealed - now get the goals.
27min: From Sportsmail's Charles Sale at Serravalle:
'Cheers for Joe Hart's first touch, 24 minutes in. It's impossible for San Marino to keep possession because even when they get the ball, they've no outlet, because ten men are always defending.'
Closed down: England's Ashley Young attempts a cross
Closed down: England's Ashley Young attempts a cross
24min: From Mail on Sunday's Rob Draper:
'Leighton Baines has the run of the left wing. The two players doubling up on him - Cibelli and Gasperoni - are really struggling.
Roy Hodgson is having words with the 4th official. He's frustrated though it's not clear what the issue is.'
21min: Good news for England in another game this evening as it's half-time in Moldova where the hosts are holding Montenegro to a 0-0 draw. That would be a great result for the Three Lions should it stay level in Chisinau.
18min: From Mail on Sunday's Rob Draper at Serravalle:
'No let up from Wayne Rooney: he's appealing that decision (Simoncini apparently handling outside the box) as though it were a Champions League final.'
He had a point too but nothing was given by the Swiss match official.
Helping hand: San Marino's Alessandro Della Valle (centre) scores an own goal to gift England the lead
Helping hand: San Marino's Alessandro Della Valle (centre) scores an own goal to gift England the lead
Helping hand: San Marino's Alessandro Della Valle (centre) scores an own goal to gift England the lead
15min: It should be two for England but from a corner, Jermain Defoe nods a rising ball over the crossbar from six yards out. San Marino I don't think have managed to have any possession in England's half.
12min: GOAL! San Marino 0-1 ENGLAND
History repeats itself for England as a San Marino player scores the first goal. Thankfully for Roy's boys though it's in their favour though, as Leighton Baines' low cross is turned by Alessandro Della Valle into his own goal.
Off the woodwork: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's lobbed shot hit the crossbar
Off the woodwork: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's lobbed shot hit the crossbar
10min: Off the bar! Joleon Lescott's long ball for Wayne Rooney is nodded into the path of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain by the striker, but the Arsenal forward's attempted lob over the keeper bounces back off the woodwork to safety.
Rested: England captain Steven Gerrard (left) chats to James Milner on the bench
Rested: England captain Steven Gerrard (left) chats to James Milner on the bench
8min: England's first chance has come and gone, with Frank Lampard seeing a near post shot pushed behind following a short Leighton Baines free-kick.
Meanwhile in a snowy Scotland, Steven Fletcher has been taken off injured on a stretcher for the hosts as Kenny Miller replaces him.
5min: No goals for the hosts after eight seconds which is an improvement on last time anyway. The Three Lions haven't threatened yet with just two corners to their name.
2min: Laurie Whitwell has more on Ferdinand's Al Jazeera appearance:
Rio first answer: 'I spoke to the club and the club doctors and the physios, who have helped me organise the regime that I'm on but ultimately it was spelled out for us anyway. It was there in black and white what I had to do and that's what we done.'
Rio is described as very relaxed, swivelling from side to side in an office-style chair. No suit or tie.
Also, the presenter for the English version of Al Jazeera broadcasting this game made mention of absent players and said 'some through reluctance to alter their fitness schedule'. Odd barb.
Kick-off: Away we go at the Stadio Olimpico.
19.57: From Sportsmail's Charles Sale at Serravalle:
First chants from England fans voicing their criticisms  about Al Jazeera TV pundit  Rio Ferdinand watching the game from studio in Doha. 'Rio Ferdinand you know who you are.''
Ready to go: England players line up before the game
Ready to go: England players line up before the game
19.54: As the players make their way on to the pitch, Laurie Whitwell has followed what Rio Ferdinand has said on his Al Jazeera appearance this evening:
'I spoke to the manager and I think it's down to him. We had a conversation. I met the boss in London and we spoke about my regime and I've done what I've done at the last few international breaks. I've pencilled in to have certain treatment, had them and I've come away to have some rest time and to recuperate and get myself ready
'I think obviously the situation with myself and the national team is well documented but this isn't something I'm doing differently this is something that I've done in past international get-togethers when I've not been involved. I've had a course of treatment that I've had to have and to then go and rest and get ready and recuperate. That's what I've continued to do but this is the way the media is.
'You're going to have people say things & assume a lot of things when they don't really know too much of the details behind what's going on. I've continued to do what I'm doing. I know what I'm doing is the right thing.'
19.51: Very disappointing news to bring you folks. An England football fan has been arrested in connection with a fight outside an Italian pub ahead of tonight's game in San Marino which reportedly left another man in a coma, the Foreign office has said. More to come on the homepage shortly.
19.48: England boss Roy Hodgson spoke to ITV before the game:
'We must make sure we are focused, disciplined and professional. It's very different to the game against Brazil. But this is a bona fide team in a bona fide competition so we must do a professional job.
'Tonight might give our defenders a chance to ease themselves. It's good to give other players a chance to show what they can do.'
19.45: Having seen the flag throwing in action, it's actually quite entertaining. Roy Hodgson had a smile on his face watching so I know it's not just me.
There are very few people inside the 7,000 Stadio Olimpico at this stage. It has all the feeling and atmosphere of a mid-table League Two match.
Entertained: Roy Hodgson (right) looks on at the pre-match entertainment of flag throwing
Entertained: Roy Hodgson (right) looks on at the pre-match entertainment of flag throwing
19.40: From Mail on Sunday's Rob Draper at Serravalle:
'The pre-match parade of drummers in tights, flag wavers and crossbow carriers has begun. Throwing large flags in the air and catching them for the amusement of England fans seems to be a national sport of San Marino.'
19.35: Full line-ups from the Stadio Olimpico:
San Marino v EnglandSan Marino: Aldo Simoncini, Fabio Vitaioli, Palazzi, Alessandro Della Valle, Davide Simoncini, Cervellini, Gasperoni, Cibelli, Fabio Bollini, Selva, Matteo Vitaioli. Subs: Federico Valentini, Bacciocchi, Bianchi, Buscarini, Coppini, Alex Della Valle, Rinaldi, Carlo Valentini, Vannucci.
England: Hart, Walker, Smalling, Lescott, Baines, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lampard, Cleverley, Young, Rooney, Defoe. Subs: Foster, Parker, Cole, Taylor, Caulker, Milner, Gerrard, Carrick, Osman, Welbeck, Sturridge, Forster.
Referee: Alain Bieri (Switzerland)
19.30: Games are kicking off thick and fast now, so to keep up-to-date with them all click here for the latest live scores - you will need to refresh the page in the link.
All smiles: England boss Roy Hodgson chats to a photographer before the game
All smiles: England boss Roy Hodgson chats to a photographer before the game
Small setting: England will play San Marino at the Stadio Olimpico in Serravalle
19.24: There are some more games to look out for this evening folks concerning England's rivals in Group H.
Table toppers Montenegro kick off in six minutes at Moldova while there is a huge clash at the National Stadium in Warsaw where Ukraine visit Poland at 7.45pm.
19.21: Here's a target for England to hit. Another result in the qualifiers this evening has seen Bulgaria hammer Malta 6-0 - maybe there is life after Hristo Stoichkov.
Meanwhile Germany are also cruising to victory, although a more moderate one, as they are 2-0 up after an hour at Kazakhstan thanks to goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Gotze.
19.18: Gareth Bale shrugs off a virus and an ankle knock to take his place in the Wales side for their World Cup Group A qualifier against Scotland at Hampden Park.
Gordon Strachan, in his first competitive match in charge of Scotland, springs something of a surprise by including 21-year-old Blackburn centre half Grant Hanley alongside skipper Gary Caldwell with Alan Hutton and Charlie Mulgrew as full-backs.
Graham Dorrans and James McArthur anchor the midfield with Chris Burke, Shaun Maloney and Robert Snodgrass backing up striker Steven Fletcher, with Allan McGregor in goal.
Hodgson Hill: England fans gather on a hill overlooking the Stadio Olimpico
Hodgson Hill: England fans gather on a hill overlooking the Stadio Olimpico
Hodgson Hill: England fans gather on a hill overlooking the Stadio Olimpico
19.15: Full line-ups from Hampden Park:
Scotland v WalesScotland: McGregor, Hutton, Caldwell, Hanley, Mulgrew, Burke, McArthur, Dorrans, Snodgrass, Maloney, Fletcher. Subs: Gilks, Mackay-Steven, Whittaker, Webster, Adam, Naismith, Miller, Commons, Rhodes, Bannan, Martin, Marshall.
Wales: Myhill, Gunter, Ricketts, Ashley Williams, Davies, Collison, Ramsey, Ledley, Bale, Robson-Kanu, Bellamy. Subs: Price, Lynch, Richards, Collins, King, Vaughan, Church, Vokes, Jonathan Williams, Easter, Nyatanga, Fon Williams.
Referee: Antony Gautier (France)
19.12: Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan is forced out of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifier in Sweden with an ankle injury.
Wigan's James McCarthy, who was controversially omitted from the initial team named by Giovanni Trapattoni for the Group C game at Stockholm's Friends Arena, comes in alongside Paul Green.
Hull winger Robbie Brady, whose place was not certain as Trapattoni expressed doubts over his mental readiness, drops to the bench as Stoke's Jon Walters starts in a match played under a retractable roof.
Pre-match show: Flag bearers parade around the Stadio Olimpico before the game
Pre-match show: Flag bearers parade around the Stadio Olimpico before the game
Pre-match show: Flag bearers parade around the Stadio Olimpico before the game
19.09: Full line-up from the Friends Arena:
Sweden v Rep of IrelandSweden: Isaksson, Lustig, Jonas Olsson, Granqvist, Safari, Elm, Larsson, Kallstrom, Ibrahimovic, Hysen, Kacaniklic. Subs: Wiland, Nordfeldt, Svensson, Fejzullahu, Nilsson, Antonsson, Wernbloom, Wendt, Holmen, Toivonen, Durmaz, Zengin.
Rep of Ireland: Forde, Coleman, Clark, O'Shea, Wilson, McCarthy, McClean, Green, Walters, Keane, Long. Subs: Westwood, Randolph, O'Dea, St. Ledger, Hoolahan, Kelly, Keogh, Brady, Cox, Sammon, Hendrick.
Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)
19.06: If you do get a little bored following England tonight, then may I suggest you play Sportsmail's version of San Marino bingo. All the details are here but beware, getting a full house is going to be far from easy (and I won't be trying to help you - especially as far as the Fraser Forster number is concerned)
19.03: From InfostradaLive:
Netherlands can win their 13th WC qual in a row if they beat Estonia tonight. Only one Eur. country had more: West-Germany 16 (1969-1985)
19.00: From Sportsmail's Charles Sale at Serravalle:
'England manager Roy Hodgson has been out examining the pitch at San Marino's Serravalle stadium with assistant Ray Lewington. They also looked to be enjoying listening to the pre-match band, who are doing a tour of the ground.'
18.57: From OptaJoe:
3 - England have won all three previous games that Frank Lampard has started as captain. Example.
Talking tactics: England boss Roy Hodgson talks to assistant Ray Lewington at Serravalle
Talking tactics: England boss Roy Hodgson talks to assistant Ray Lewington at Serravalle
Talking tactics: England boss Roy Hodgson inspects the pitch at Serravalle
Talking tactics: England boss Roy Hodgson inspects the pitch at Serravalle
18.54: Skipper Steven Gerrard is rested from England's World Cup qualifier against San Marino this evening.
The midfielder is being saved by Roy Hodgson for the far more important Group H clash with Montenegro on Tuesday.
It means Frank Lampard is named skipper of a side that pairs Chris Smalling and Joleon Lescott together, extending a record of England not playing the same central defensive partnership in successive games this season.
Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley extends his ever-present record during the current campaign, whilst club colleagues Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney are also included.
The loss of Theo Walcott to a groin injury that is set to keep him out for up to 10 days means Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is handed a starting berth against the side he scored his first international goal against in October.
Meanwhile, Kyle Walker and Leighton Baines occupy the full-back berths, with Jermain Defoe the central striker.
18.51: From OptaJoe:
5 - Danny Welbeck has scored five goals from just five shots on target at international level. Benched.
18.48: England starting XI:
Joe Hart, Kyle Walker, Leighton Baines, Tom Cleverley, Joleon Lescott, Chris Smalling, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Frank Lampard, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young.
18.45: Ireland kick off at 7.45pm by the way which is 15 minutes before England v San Marino and also the clash at Hampden Park as Scotland host Wales.
The latter two's hopes of reaching Brazil 2014 look as good as finished already but there is plenty of national pride at stake this evening.
Lights on: Floodlights lit the turf as dusk set over Serravalle
Lights on: Floodlights lit the turf as dusk set over Serravalle
18.40: From Sportsmail's Neil Ashton at Serravalle:
'Teams have arrived. San Marino players are already out on the pitch, checking the surface. They are also modern day pros wearing headphones. 
'England fans without tickets are standing on a hill behind the goal to support their team. Can hear them singing.'
18.37: Republic of Ireland starting XI:
Forde, Coleman, O'Shea, Clark, Wilson, Walters, Green, McCarthy, McClean, Keane, Long.
Stoke striker Jon Walters looks to have won a late reprieve for the Republic of Ireland tonight after a major change of heart by manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
An injury to Walters’ Stoke team-mate Glenn Whelan, and a late call on winger Robbie Brady’s mental state have forced the 74-year-old Italian to make late changes to the side which faces Sweden in Stockholm’s Friends Arena tonight.
Humble surroundings: England players arrive at the Stadio Olimpico
Humble surroundings: England players arrive at the Stadio Olimpico
Humble surroundings: England players arrive at the Stadio Olimpico
18.34: From Sportsmail's Matt Barlow at Serravalle:
'Doors are open at Serravalle and the tiny stadium is being decorated with dozens of England flags. They will expect to see some goals. In an interview in the programme, San Marino’s only professional Mirko Palazzi is what what he remembers about the game at Wembley in October. 'The cramps,'he said. 'The referee’s final whistle was as liberating as a victory.''
18.31: From Rio Ferdinand on Twitter:
'I'm seeing a San Marino 0 - 5 England kind of game!! Come on the boys.'
18.28: Then again on the flip side, Germany smashed the same opponents 13-0 a year earlier away from home. But then that's the sort of efficient performance we come to expect from the Germans.
18.25: I feel I have been harsh on San Marino so here's a scary story for you. Back in 2007, Republic of Ireland needed an injury time Stephen Ireland strike to scrape a 2-1 victory at the very ground England are playing at this evening.
It's not often the minnows get that close to securing a result - they have only won one game in their entire history, and that was against Liechtenstein in 2004 in a 1-0 triumph - even that was a friendly.
18.20: From OptaJoe:
2 - The last two England players to score four (or more) goals in a single game both did it v San Marino (Platt and Wright in 1993). Tip.
18.15: One game called off, a few going on now, and even more to kick-off later. But we do have one result already.
High tension: Croatia fans gather before the match with Serbia in Zagreb
High tension: Croatia fans gather before the match with Serbia in Zagreb
High tension: Croatia fans gather before the match with Serbia in Zagreb
18.05: No threat of snow in Serravalle but with kick-off still two hours away, why not watch live coverage of Croatia v Serbia here as the the two nations meet for the first time since the Yugoslavia wars. The second-half has just begun.
18.00: One game already called off this evening is at Windsor Park. We are a touch out of season now for heavy snowfalls (it is spring you know) but Northern Ireland's clash with Russia will now take place tomorrow at 3pm due to a huge dumping off the stuff at the ground.
17.55: England are playing at the Stadio Olimpico this evening...but it isn't the one in Rome that is home to Lazio and Roma.
Instead the Three Lions are in the more humble surroundings of Serravalle, as you can see from the tiny away dressing room in the pictures below that will house Wayne Rooney and Co.
 
Room for one more? England's dressing room in San Marino is a far cry from what they are used to at Wembley
Room for one more? England's dressing room in San Marino is a far cry from what they are used to at Wembley
Room for one more? England's dressing room in San Marino is a far cry from what they are used to at Wembley
Room for one more? England's dressing room in San Marino is a far cry from what they are used to at Wembley
17.50: The teams haven't been announced yet, but it was revealed earlier today that Theo Walcott is ruled out injured not just for tonight's game but Tuesday's clash with Montenegro too.
In addition, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole may be rested tonight ahead of that pivotal clash in Podgorica.
17.45: Remember folks there are no easy games in international football...okay there are a few exceptions to the rule.
Let's not kid ourselves, England should win comfortably tonight. So much so that anything less than a straightforward win will go down as one of the most embarrassing moments in the national team's history.
First and foremost get the win but let's hope the Three Lions can rack up a big score this evening - they may need it at a later date.
Wembley winners: Wayne Rooney led England to a 5-0 victory over San Marino earlier in the group
Wembley winners: Wayne Rooney led England to a 5-0 victory over San Marino earlier in the group

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