Gareth Southgate believes England displayed the kind of hunger and attitude required to become a top team during Thursday’s comprehensive World Cup qualification win against San Marino.

The rearranged European Championships may be just months away but the road to next year’s World Cup in Qatar is already under way.

James Ward-Prowse, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Raheem Sterling scored in a one-sided first half against San Marino, with inspired San Marino goalkeeper Elia Benedettini and wayward finishing keeping the score down.

San Marino goalkeeper Benedettini prevented the night being any worse for the microstate, yet did not escape criticism from manager Franco Varrella.

“If we consider only the final score, England for sure is better than San Marino more than a five-goal difference,” he said.

“I’m a little bit disappointed because I think that we didn’t do well what we’re able to do and what we should have done on the pitch tonight.

“For example, on the second goal that we suffered our goalkeeper could have done better in that situation.

“I’m a little bit disappointed because in certain situations we didn’t try to complicate the life of England tonight.”