The frustrating thing about England is that about every five years or so they knock the cynicism out of their supporters with an epic win (remember Holland in Euro '96, Germany in '01 etc). Then they revert to mean - dull,unimaginative, poor technique etc. Guys let's keep a sense of perspective.

Paul, Tonbridge,

To all those complaining about Setanta having the match, may I make the point that dishes/cable are not available to us all. I have to rely on Freeview. However, I get Setanta through Freeview and was able to watch last night. When games are on Sky I have to watch at the pub.

Richard, Birmingham,

How many fans were unaware that Setanta Sports allowed anyone to watch 40 mins of England match last night even non-subscribers! I watched on Freeview and wouldn't have missed it for anything! I didn't dream it did I? England won 4-1 away against Croatia, Walcott scored a hat-trick..and it was free

Peter Thompson, Chatham, UK

Big victory only becouse you won Croatia in Zagreb but it is not so clear victory like result saying. The reason is rigorous red card giving advantage to England team and first lucking goal
achieved. after unhappy Croatia defender action. So enjoy in your victory , bur we will wait like you do...

Longo, Spli, Crotia

9 comments, you must be the 9 people that watched the game

Steve, Manchester, UK

Let's not get too carried away. We were playing against 10 men when most of the goals were scored...

Simon PJ, London,

The FA has scored an own goal - selling the away match rights to Setanta as the highest bidder has deprived the nation of the best performance and result in years - they should be ashamed. Surely national football has to be on a format that keeps it accessible to everyone!

Sheila, Durham,

All those people who slated Sven for taking him to the World Cup should eat their hats, it was a brilliant move of forward thinking by a man who knew he would not be around to reap the results. Walcott/Rooney and a tall is the future for England.

DBP, London,

Well done England. Hope Bilic is eating humble pie. England need to build on this and make sure we beat Ukraine.

Hamad Lone, London, England

Shame we couldn't all enjoy watching it.

ben, Kings Lynn, United Kingdom

Great FABIO, great !!! and so England go.

carmine, Reggio Emilia, Italy

The real test comes next time when Gerrard and Lampard are both available for selection. Will Capello stick to his guns and just pick one (I'd go for Gerrard) or will we go back to playing both of them?

Tommy, cambridge, UK

Forza Fabio!! :D That's the first time I've supported England in my entire life, but I just love Capello, so England is now automatically my second favourite team.

Horace, Florence, Tuscany, Italy

oh guys i'ts so ridiculous when you talk about no good players in the england national when you got walcott and joe cole, and in russian team the best we have is pogrebnyak))

steve, Moscow, Russia

England won handsomely because Steven Gerrard had no part in the game. He is a pale shadow when compared to the magnificent Frank Lampard - now there's a midfield general. I am so happy for England. And the man who restored ENGLAND to respectability... FABIO CAPELLO.

S K Lin, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

capello is a very good manager...let work him!even if England doesn't have good players (just 3 or 4)...

Riccardo, cagliari, italy

Why be negative and say "bad news, surely, for Beckham"??? Of course he wants to play as thats why they are called ... players! Why can't he be in the squad an give advice and be a positive support and influence? Didn't you see how happy he was and his hi5 to Walcott? Good article apart from this...

Chris , Cambridge, United Kingdom

All the better after Croatian newspapers mocked our three lions badge by inserting two kittens, revenge is sweet.

james, London, UK