Ecstatic England footie fans empty pubs after crushing victory over Croatia

London, Sep 10 (ANI): England crushed Croatia 5-1 and stormed into next year's World Cup finals, leading to wild celebrations among fans and supporters of the team.

The team qualified after making it eight wins out of eight in Group Six at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday.

Two goals each from Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard and one from Wayne Rooney avenged their heartbreaking 3-2 defeat by Croatia on a rainy night at Wembley 22 months ago, a result that cost them a place at Euro 2008.

Arsenal striker Eduardo scored a late consolation goal for Croatia.

Elated England fans celebrated at Wembley and in pubs across the land as John Terry's team qualified for the finals with two games to spare, the first time they have ever achieved that feat.

Supporters waved flags as they filed out of Wembley. Many packed nearby pubs to begin celebrations into the night.

Supporters sang: "5-1, even Croatia scored"-a new version of the mickey-taking chant, "5-1, even Heskey scored". God Save The Queen also echoed around the North London stadium as the seconds ticked to the final whistle, The Sun reports.

Bookies Ladbrokes immediately installed England as 6-1 third favourites to win the World Cup, behind only Brazil and Spain.

Delighted Capello rated last night's performance as England's best under his management.

"I'm happy because the performance was great. We played quick, fast, the movement on the ball, the movement off the ball. The first 20 minutes were fantastic," he said.

England's Group 6 victory finally erased the humiliating memory of the home defeat by Croatia in 2007, which cost the Three Lions a place in Euro 2008. (ANI)