A new star was born as Theo Walcott justified England coach Fabio Capello's decision to keep faith in him - and jettison David Beckham - on a memorable night in Zagreb. 

The Arsenal teenager scored a hat-trick as the Capello's quest for World Cup qualification began in earnest with a first home defeat for Croatia in competitive matches.

Then just for good measure Wayne Rooney finally found the net for the Three Lions as Slaven Bilic's side finished in a demoralised state after the 53rd minute sending-off of Robert Kovac.

All Croatia could manage in reply in this group six clash was a late consolation effort from substitute Mario Mandzukic.

It was all so different to two years ago in the same stadium, when then England coach Steve McClaren opted for an ill-fated 3-5-2 formation and saw his side lose 2-0 in a Euro 2008 qualifier.

But England appear a different animal under Capello and, although this was only the second step on the long road to the 2010 finals in South Africa, the signs are encouraging after one of their most convincing displays in living memory.

David James needed two attempts to grasp a shot drilled straight at him by Danijel Pranjic and then failed to hold on to a deep corner from Darijo Srna and would have been relieved to see Vedran Corluka drill the loose ball into the side-netting.

The pressure steadily mounted on England although resolute defending denied the home side any clear-cut opportunities.

The visitors went ahead through Walcott in the 26th minute - but they were given a helping hand by the Croatian defence.

Pranjic's clearance rebounding off Josip Simunic into the path of Walcott but the teenager made the most of his fortune as he drilled a fierce low shot across Stipe Pletikosa into the corner of the net.

Then after 53 minutes Croatia were reduced to 10 men when Kovac was sent off for an aerial challenge which left Joe Cole bloodied - and replaced by Jermaine Jenas.

England almost instantly made their numerical advantage count - with Walcott striking for the second time.

Heskey and Rooney were involved in the build-up before the overlapping Walcott had time to pick his spot and send a low shot across Pletikosa, mirroring his effort for the first goal.

England were now rampant and in the 63rd minute Rooney ended his 11 month international scoring drought.

Ashley Cole won the ball off Srna, picked out the run of Jenas and his low cross from the left flank was clinically despatched by the Manchester United star.

Lampard had an effort ruled out for offside before Mandzukic beat James from close range with 12 minutes remaining.

But Walcott ended any hopes of a late Croatian revival as he collected a Rooney pass and clipped the ball wide of Pletikosa for his hat-trick.

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