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World Cup qualifiers round-up: Wins for England and Northern Ireland

England made it three successive wins over Scotland with a 3-0 victory in their World Cup qualifi...



World Cup qualifiers round-up:...
Soccer

World Cup qualifiers round-up: Wins for England and Northern Ireland

England made it three successive wins over Scotland with a 3-0 victory in their World Cup qualifier at Wembley.

Daniel Sturridge gave them a half-time lead, before goals from Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill.

Sturridge had the English in front after 24 minutes with a headed effort.

And both Lallana and Cahill's efforts also came by way of their heads.

Gareth Southgate's side stay top of Group F after four matches, and in a strong position to qualify for Russia.

The result heaps increasing pressure on Scotland boss Gordon Strachan after a poor start to the qualifying group for a side that hasn't been to a major tournament since 1998.

They are second bottom in Group F, with four points from a possible 12 and already four points back on second placed Slovenia.

Northern Ireland's Kyle Lafferty celebrates scoring ©INPHO/Presseye/Jonathan Porter

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland burst the bubble of Group C surprise package Azerbaijan by beating them 4-0 in their World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park.

Kyle Lafferty, Gareth McAuley, Conor McLaughlin and Chris Brunt scored the goals to move Michael O'Neill's men up to second in the table and in contention for a second major tournament in a row.

World champions Germany lead the standings after four matches with a maximum haul of 12 from 12.

They defeated minnows San Marino 8-0 away, with former Arsenal man Serge Gnabry scoring a hat-trick.

Elsewhere, France beat Sweden 2-1 thanks to goals from Paul Pogba and Dimitri Payet to go three points clear at the top of Group A. 

The match at the Stade de France was emotional for the home side as it took place two days before the first anniversary of the Paris Attacks.

A minute's silence was held before the game.

Netherlands are third in that group, three points behind Sweden and six off Les Blues, but have a game in hand.

Poland top Group E after enjoying a 3-0 win away to Romania. Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski scored twice.

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