England player ratings v Hungary: Harry Maguire 8, Raheem Sterling 8, Harry Kane 7

Three Lions win in impressive fashion but match is marred by reports of racist abuse by home fans in Budapest

ENGLAND RATINGS: Jordan Pickford - 6: Could have done with a deckchair in first half such was Hungary’s lack of attacking threat. And then left it out for the second for more of the same until he had to make a save in the 80th minute. Reuters

Kyle Walker - 8: Manchester City full-back was solid and reliable down the right going forward and defensively. Brilliant slide-rule pass to put Kane through at start of second half. Reuters

Harry Maguire - 8: Early header over bar from Shaw corner and always a threat in box from corners. No surprise when he headed home the third from another Shaw corner. AP

John Stones - 8: Defender winning his 50th cap almost got caught out by letting long ball bounce in first half but used pace to recover. A calm presence alongside Maguire. AP

Luke Shaw - 8: Dragged out of position once in opening 45 minutes but Hungary failed to capitalise on gap down left. Linked up well with Grealish throughout and kept picking out Maguire’s head from corners. AP

Declan Rice - 7: Midfielder was largely untroubled in first half bar giving away one free-kick after obvious foul in dangerous position on edge of box. Booked at start of second half for late challenge but won tackle that started move for Sterling goal minutes later. Scored the fourth with shot from edge of box, although keeper should have saved it.

Kalvin Phillips - 7: Screened the area in front of defence, dominating the centre of the park with Rice and made crucial interception from Hungary ball out from defence that led to Kane goal. AP

Mason Mount - 7: Had game’s first chance from edge of box but put disappointing shot wide. Good exchange of passes with Grealish set-up first-half chance for Kane. Perfect pull-back for Sterling goal. AP

Jack Grealish - 8: The £100m midfielder started out on left, teeing-up shot for Kane after 20 minutes and nearly put Shaw through with chipped ball over defence moments later. Key role in Sterling and Rice goals, a constant menace to Hungary and a good night’s work. Getty

Raheem Sterling 8: Cut slightly frustrated figure on the right of England’s attack in first half as he felt referee’s calls were going against him. Found goal-touch after break with fine finish into bottom corner from Mount ball and provided cross into box for Kane’s header for second. Pelted with cups from crowd after scoring. Reuters

Harry Kane - 7: Striker not usual ruthless self in front of goal and missed three chances he would normally bury in his sleep. No mistake just after hour, though, with close-range header from Sterling cross. Getty

SUBS: Jesse Lingard – (On for Mount 84’) N/A. Getty

Jordan Henderson – (On for Rice 88’) N/A. Getty

Bukayo Saka – (On for Grealish 88’) N/A. Reuters

Gareth Cox

England thrashed Hungary 4-0 in their first match since reaching the Euro 2020 final with a thoroughly professional World Cup qualifying performance.

After a tight first half in Budapest when the Hungarians proved difficult to break down, the floodgates opened when Raheem Sterling finished well from Mason Mount's pull-back after 55 minutes.

England captain Harry Kane - who could and should have finished the match with four goals to his name - made it two eight minutes later when he headed home from Sterling's cross from the right.

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Defender Harry Maguire made it three on 69 minutes when his header from a Luke Shaw corner was fumbled into the net by Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.

Three Lions midfielder Declan Rice completed the rout with a shot from the edge of the area that Gulacsi should have stopped.

The match was marred by ugly scenes in the stands with Hungary set to face punishment for the actions of their fans.

Sterling was pelted with cups after scoring for England, a flare was thrown on to the pitch and there were reports that racist abuse was directed at away players.

England are now in a very strong permission as they look to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Gareth Southgate's side are top of their group having won four out of four matches and are five points clear of second placed Poland.

Next up are Andorra at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, then they travel to Poland three days later.

Updated: September 03, 2021, 4:07 AM