Despite taking control of the game early on, England lacked a cutting edge for long periods in the first half, with Danny Welbeck's deflected effort which drifted wide being the closest that they would come before the deadlock was broken on 24 minutes.

Manuel Battistini of San Marino evades Danny Welbeck of England during the EURO 2016 Group E Qualifying match between England and San Marino at Wembley Stadium on October 9, 2014 © Getty Images

At times it looked as though San Marino keeper Aldo Simoncini's indecisiveness would hand an opening to the hosts, but he responded impressively to push away a powerful effort from Raheem Sterling.

However, he was guilty of making the mistake which allowed Phil Jagielka to head into an empty net moments later as he stumbled inside the box when coming out to collect a corner.

England's defender Phil Jagielka (3rd L) heads the ball to score his team's first goal during a Euro 2016 Qualifier football match between England and San Marino at Wembley Stadium on October 9, 2014 © Getty Images

Although they were still searching for their best form, England continued to dominate, and were close to adding a second when Welbeck saw his close-range effort tipped over by Simoncini.

The lead would be doubled before the interval as Wayne Rooney fired home from the penalty spot after being caught with a high boot from Andy Selva.

Roy Hodgson sent on Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at the break, and the changes had an impact almost immediately as the latter won the ball on the right wing before crossing for Welbeck, who poked home from a few yards out.

Danny Welbeck of England celebrates scoring their third goal as goalkeeper Aldo Simoncini of San Marino looks dejected during the EURO 2016 Group E Qualifying match on October 9, 2014 © Getty Images

As the second half progressed, England started to enjoy more success against a tiring visiting defence, but Rooney was unable to take advantage with a chipped effort which was kept out by the busy hands of Simoncini.

England were unfairly denied a fourth goal just after the hour mark, when Lallana was incorrectly adjudged to have been offside when he inadvertently turned in Oxlade-Chamberlain's speculative strike.

Rooney would once again go close to finding his second of the night after finding a yard of space inside the box, but Simoncini was alert to deny the England captain a 43rd international goal.

However, there would be no stopping the assault from the hosts as substitute Andros Townsend came off the bench to give Hodgson a reminder of his talents with a powerful strike from outside the box.

A fifth goal would arrive in fortunate fashion in the 77th minute when Rooney's cross was diverted into the net via a deflection from Alessandro Della Valle.