England travelled to the vast nation of Kazakhstan to play their sixth match in the 2010 World Cup qualifier.
Before last night, England topped Group 6 after winning all five of their games so far, and they looked to extend their 100% record in Almaty last night.
Kazakhstan is the world's ninth largest nation, and the largest landlocked nation, and is on the far eastern edge of Europe (the western part of the country is in Europe and the rest is in Asia). It is 21 times the size of little old England, although England's population is around three times that of Kazakhstan's.
The match was played in Almaty in the far east of the country, just 250 miles from the Chinese border in the glorious surroundings of the snowcapped Altay Mountains.
The Almaty Central Stadium - Kazakahstan's national stadium - looked very dated in contrast to England's Wembley Stadium, which cost £800 million.
Kazakhstan are ranked 132nd in the world. England are 6th. But the Kazakhs actually started off the better side, and almost went ahead after just 20 seconds.
But once Barry scored for England just before half-time, the English - playing in their no-frills all-white kit - dominated the rest of the match.
Before the match, it was noted that England have scored more goals per game than any other team in the European section of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. And Europe's most potent attacking force scored another four last night - meaning England have also scored more goals in total than anyone else in Europe so far.
England have now played six and won six in Group 6. Their next opponents? Tiny Andorra on Wednesday...... at Wembley.
If England beat Andorra (and they surely will) they will need just three points from their remaining three games to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer in Almaty, Kazakhstan
2010 World Cup qualifier
Group 6
VS
Kazakhstan 0-4 England
...................................Barry 40..... Heskey 45
.....................................Rooney 73..... Lampard (pen) 78
(at the Almaty Stadium, Almaty. Att: 23.281)
Kazakhstan: Mokin, Kirov, Abdulin, Kislitcin, Karpovich, Nusrbayev, Skorykh, Ostapenko (Ibrayev 27), Kukeyev, Averchenko, Logvinenko.
Subs Not Used: Mukashev, Fomichev, Irismetov, Nurgaliev, Travin, Erbes.
England: Green, Johnson (Beckham 75), Terry, Upson, Ashley Cole, Walcott (Wright-Phillips 45), Barry, Lampard, Rooney, Heskey (Defoe 81), Gerrard.
Subs Not Used: Robinson, Lescott, Bridge, Crouch.
Up in the air: Wayne Rooney scored a spectacular third in England's 4-0 win over Kazakhstan as the visitors ran out comfortable winners in the end
England will return from the arduous 7,000-mile round trip to Kazakhstan a step closer to World Cup qualification - but only after a brief encounter with embarrassment in Almaty.
Coach Fabio Capello maintained his flawless record on the road to South Africa with a sixth successive victory in Group Six after a journey to Europe's eastern extremity and a meeting with one of world game's genuine minnows.
The gulf in these contrasting football cultures was not immediately obvious as England, against opponents fuelled by fanatical Kazakh support, almost suffered the indignity of falling behind before eventually exerting their authority and claiming the expected victory.
England captain John Terry needed to produce a crucial block inside the first 20 seconds to halt Sergey Ostapenko before the striker then saw a header ruled out for offside with the scoresheet still blank.
A linesman's flag silenced wild celebrations inside Almaty's Central Stadium - and also signalled the height of England's troubles as they restored order and Kazakhstan, as is their habit, ran out of steam.
Gareth Barry crowned an eventful week following his £12m move from Aston Villa to Manchester City by heading in his first competitive goal for England from Steven Gerrard's cross five minutes before the interval.
And as Kazakhstan tried to recover from this setback, Emile Heskey delivered his first competitive England strike in seven years in first-half stoppage time to effectively confirm the victory.
Gerrard, England's outstanding player, again played a key role with an ambitious long-range shot that caught Kazakh keeper Alexandr Mokin out of position. He could only claw the ball to Heskey, who completed the formalities.
Wayne Rooney, a subdued figure for the most part here, demonstrated his class with a stunning overhead kick 18 minutes from time. And Frank Lampard's penalty gave the scoreline a convincing appearance with a 78th minute penalty after Heskey has been hauled down by Renat Abdulin.
Getting ahead: Gareth Barry took advantage of some sloppy Kazakhstan marking to head England in front in Almaty
England's eventual victory margin had a ring of comfort, but this hot night in Eurasia was not without its early moments of unease.
Capello declared his satisfaction as he chalked off another game and another victory in his campaign to take England to the World Cup - but he will have surely been concerned by the slipshod start that offered encouragement to Kazakhstan and their fiercely partisan support in the opening exchanges.
He insisted England could not offer up the rigours of a trip to a country that lies only 200 miles from the Chinese border as an excuse for any flaws - so Capello is unlikely to mark down a leaden-footed start to jetlag.
And while England may have flexed their muscles to take a two-goal lead at the interval, it was lavish reward for an opening 45 minutes lacking in order and composure.
The Central Stadium, which resounded to the insistent beat of drummers as Kazakhstan made the brightest of starts, offered up a dated but atmospheric setting for the longest journey England will face en route to what they hope will be successful qualification for South Africa 2010.
Kazakhstan are traditionally quick starters at home, so it was with some concern that England appeared to be caught by surprise as they flew out of the blocks.
Culture clash: England midfielder Steven Gerrard feels the force of a tackle during their World Cup match in Kazakhstan
They were a step ahead of the sluggish visitors as the early blows were traded, and only Terry's bravery prevented Ostapenko from giving Kazakhstan almost from the kick-off in a grim echo of England's San Marino moment in 1993 when David Gualtieri scored inside nine seconds (though England went on to win 7-1).
England's early frustrations were underscored when Barry was booked for hauling back Zhambyl Kukeyev, a yellow card that rules him out of Wednesday's next qualifier against Andorra at Wembley.
And it was a linesman's intervention that spared England after 17 minutes when Ostapenko headed in Kukeyev's free-kick. It sent the Central Stadium wild with a mixture of ecstasy and disbelief before it became clear, to all Almaty's obvious despair, that the goal had been correctly ruled out for offside.
Wayne Rooney reacts brilliantly to stick in England's third goal
It proved to be the dangerous Ostapenko's last meaningful contribution as he collapsed after a challenge and was stretchered off.
England finally gave Kazakhstan something to think about as the half-hour approached, when Heskey's shot was touched on to the post and away to safety by Kazakh keep Mokin.
The relief in England's camp was as obvious as their delight when they took the lead after 40 minutes, Barry heading in Gerrard's cross at the far post after a short corner.
Predictably, the goal was a defining moment as Kazakhstan's reserves of energy visibly slipped away. England inflicted further punishment in the dying seconds of the half, courtesy of Heskey's simple finish after Mokin failed miserably to deal with Gerrard's speculative angled effort.
10 things you need to know about Kazakhstan
1) Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world, and the largest landlocked country. It is 21 times larger than England.
2) The capital city is Astana which has a population of 600,000 - compared to London's 7.5 million.
3) The national dish is Beshbarmak - a broth of boiled horse meat.
4) The "Tenge" is the national currency. There are 249 to the pound.
5) The national stadium, the Almaty Central Stadium, has a capacity of 25,057, making it bigger than Portsmouth's Fratton Park.
6) The average attendance at top-flight matches in Kazakhstan is 3,596 - Lincoln City had a higher average gate last season.
7) Kazakhstan are ranked 132nd in the world - 126 places behind England who are 6th.
8 ) Kazakhstan joined UEFA in 2002 having previously been affiliated to the Asian Football Confedaration.
9) Their record cap holder is Ruslan Baltiev who made his 68th appearance in yesterday's game against England.
10) Kazakhstan boss Bernd Storck won the German Cup with Borussia Dortmund as a player.
Kazakhstan's early impetus, which had given England problems, had disappeared by the time Rooney wrapped up the win with wonderful piece of improvisation, scoring with a bicycle kick after his first effort had been blocked by Mokin.
It was merely a case of damage limitation and maintaining respectability for Kazakhstan in the remaining minutes, although Lampard added England's fourth from the spot after Heskey was dragged back in the act of shooting by Abdulin.
The Kazakhstan fans had created a wonderful atmosphere with their unswerving support of their own team and an obvious appreciation and excitement at being in close proximity to England's Premier League superstars.
And it was almost as a means of reward that Capello added another to David Beckham's growing collection of cameo England caps with a 15-minute appearance as substitute.
Capello declared this as very much a case of job done for England at the end of a tough trek east - and while the result may have yielded nothing for Kazakhstan, this whole week has been a rewarding experience for this country and an important staging post in their development as a football nation.
Meanwhile, second-placed Croatia missed the chance to close the gap on England when they drew 2-2 at home to Ukraine in Zagreb.
Safety first: Kazakhstan police and security officers watched on as England arrived for a high profile World Cup qualifier
Pitch battle: Groundstaff at the Central Stadium in Almaty struggle to get the pitch up to scratch for England's World Cup qualifier with Kazakhstan
Centre of attention: England manager Fabio Capello greets the press ahead of England's World Cup encounter with Kazakhstan
Culture clash: England midfielder Steven Gerrard feels the force of a tackle during their World Cup match in Kazakhstan
Panic stations: John Terry was forced to clear from Kazakhstan's Tahat Nusserbayer as the hosts threatened England's goal numerous times in the opening period
Speed of thought: Theo Walcott troubled Kazakhstan with his fleetness of movement all night for England
Getting ahead: Gareth Barry took advantage of some sloppy Kazakhstan marking to head England in front in Almaty
All white on the night: England survived an early scare to run out comfortable winners against Kazakhstan in their World Cup qualifier in Almaty
Becks appeal: David Beckham came on as a late substitute for England in Almaty as Kazakhstan were beaten 4-0 to strengthen the visitors' chances of World Cup qualification
Uninvited guest: A pitch invader books himself an uncomfortable night's stay in the cells during England's World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan
Back of the net: England striker Wayne Rooney swivels to score with Kazakhstan goalkeeper Alexandr Mokin helpless after saving the first effort
Up in the air: Wayne Rooney scored a spectacular third in England's 4-0 win over Kazakhstan as the visitors ran out comfortable winners in the end
Finishing touch: Frank Lamard salutes the travelling England supporters after completing the scoring from the penalty spot against Kazakhstan in Almaty
news.bbc.co.uk/sport
Before last night, England topped Group 6 after winning all five of their games so far, and they looked to extend their 100% record in Almaty last night.
Kazakhstan is the world's ninth largest nation, and the largest landlocked nation, and is on the far eastern edge of Europe (the western part of the country is in Europe and the rest is in Asia). It is 21 times the size of little old England, although England's population is around three times that of Kazakhstan's.
The match was played in Almaty in the far east of the country, just 250 miles from the Chinese border in the glorious surroundings of the snowcapped Altay Mountains.
The Almaty Central Stadium - Kazakahstan's national stadium - looked very dated in contrast to England's Wembley Stadium, which cost £800 million.
Kazakhstan are ranked 132nd in the world. England are 6th. But the Kazakhs actually started off the better side, and almost went ahead after just 20 seconds.
But once Barry scored for England just before half-time, the English - playing in their no-frills all-white kit - dominated the rest of the match.
Before the match, it was noted that England have scored more goals per game than any other team in the European section of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. And Europe's most potent attacking force scored another four last night - meaning England have also scored more goals in total than anyone else in Europe so far.
England have now played six and won six in Group 6. Their next opponents? Tiny Andorra on Wednesday...... at Wembley.
If England beat Andorra (and they surely will) they will need just three points from their remaining three games to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer in Almaty, Kazakhstan
2010 World Cup qualifier
Group 6
Kazakhstan 0-4 England
...................................Barry 40..... Heskey 45
.....................................Rooney 73..... Lampard (pen) 78
(at the Almaty Stadium, Almaty. Att: 23.281)
Kazakhstan: Mokin, Kirov, Abdulin, Kislitcin, Karpovich, Nusrbayev, Skorykh, Ostapenko (Ibrayev 27), Kukeyev, Averchenko, Logvinenko.
Subs Not Used: Mukashev, Fomichev, Irismetov, Nurgaliev, Travin, Erbes.
England: Green, Johnson (Beckham 75), Terry, Upson, Ashley Cole, Walcott (Wright-Phillips 45), Barry, Lampard, Rooney, Heskey (Defoe 81), Gerrard.
Subs Not Used: Robinson, Lescott, Bridge, Crouch.
Up in the air: Wayne Rooney scored a spectacular third in England's 4-0 win over Kazakhstan as the visitors ran out comfortable winners in the end
England will return from the arduous 7,000-mile round trip to Kazakhstan a step closer to World Cup qualification - but only after a brief encounter with embarrassment in Almaty.
Coach Fabio Capello maintained his flawless record on the road to South Africa with a sixth successive victory in Group Six after a journey to Europe's eastern extremity and a meeting with one of world game's genuine minnows.
The gulf in these contrasting football cultures was not immediately obvious as England, against opponents fuelled by fanatical Kazakh support, almost suffered the indignity of falling behind before eventually exerting their authority and claiming the expected victory.
England captain John Terry needed to produce a crucial block inside the first 20 seconds to halt Sergey Ostapenko before the striker then saw a header ruled out for offside with the scoresheet still blank.
A linesman's flag silenced wild celebrations inside Almaty's Central Stadium - and also signalled the height of England's troubles as they restored order and Kazakhstan, as is their habit, ran out of steam.
Gareth Barry crowned an eventful week following his £12m move from Aston Villa to Manchester City by heading in his first competitive goal for England from Steven Gerrard's cross five minutes before the interval.
And as Kazakhstan tried to recover from this setback, Emile Heskey delivered his first competitive England strike in seven years in first-half stoppage time to effectively confirm the victory.
Gerrard, England's outstanding player, again played a key role with an ambitious long-range shot that caught Kazakh keeper Alexandr Mokin out of position. He could only claw the ball to Heskey, who completed the formalities.
Wayne Rooney, a subdued figure for the most part here, demonstrated his class with a stunning overhead kick 18 minutes from time. And Frank Lampard's penalty gave the scoreline a convincing appearance with a 78th minute penalty after Heskey has been hauled down by Renat Abdulin.
Getting ahead: Gareth Barry took advantage of some sloppy Kazakhstan marking to head England in front in Almaty
England's eventual victory margin had a ring of comfort, but this hot night in Eurasia was not without its early moments of unease.
Capello declared his satisfaction as he chalked off another game and another victory in his campaign to take England to the World Cup - but he will have surely been concerned by the slipshod start that offered encouragement to Kazakhstan and their fiercely partisan support in the opening exchanges.
He insisted England could not offer up the rigours of a trip to a country that lies only 200 miles from the Chinese border as an excuse for any flaws - so Capello is unlikely to mark down a leaden-footed start to jetlag.
And while England may have flexed their muscles to take a two-goal lead at the interval, it was lavish reward for an opening 45 minutes lacking in order and composure.
The Central Stadium, which resounded to the insistent beat of drummers as Kazakhstan made the brightest of starts, offered up a dated but atmospheric setting for the longest journey England will face en route to what they hope will be successful qualification for South Africa 2010.
Kazakhstan are traditionally quick starters at home, so it was with some concern that England appeared to be caught by surprise as they flew out of the blocks.
Culture clash: England midfielder Steven Gerrard feels the force of a tackle during their World Cup match in Kazakhstan
They were a step ahead of the sluggish visitors as the early blows were traded, and only Terry's bravery prevented Ostapenko from giving Kazakhstan almost from the kick-off in a grim echo of England's San Marino moment in 1993 when David Gualtieri scored inside nine seconds (though England went on to win 7-1).
England's early frustrations were underscored when Barry was booked for hauling back Zhambyl Kukeyev, a yellow card that rules him out of Wednesday's next qualifier against Andorra at Wembley.
And it was a linesman's intervention that spared England after 17 minutes when Ostapenko headed in Kukeyev's free-kick. It sent the Central Stadium wild with a mixture of ecstasy and disbelief before it became clear, to all Almaty's obvious despair, that the goal had been correctly ruled out for offside.
Wayne Rooney reacts brilliantly to stick in England's third goal
It proved to be the dangerous Ostapenko's last meaningful contribution as he collapsed after a challenge and was stretchered off.
England finally gave Kazakhstan something to think about as the half-hour approached, when Heskey's shot was touched on to the post and away to safety by Kazakh keep Mokin.
The relief in England's camp was as obvious as their delight when they took the lead after 40 minutes, Barry heading in Gerrard's cross at the far post after a short corner.
Predictably, the goal was a defining moment as Kazakhstan's reserves of energy visibly slipped away. England inflicted further punishment in the dying seconds of the half, courtesy of Heskey's simple finish after Mokin failed miserably to deal with Gerrard's speculative angled effort.
10 things you need to know about Kazakhstan
1) Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world, and the largest landlocked country. It is 21 times larger than England.
2) The capital city is Astana which has a population of 600,000 - compared to London's 7.5 million.
3) The national dish is Beshbarmak - a broth of boiled horse meat.
4) The "Tenge" is the national currency. There are 249 to the pound.
5) The national stadium, the Almaty Central Stadium, has a capacity of 25,057, making it bigger than Portsmouth's Fratton Park.
6) The average attendance at top-flight matches in Kazakhstan is 3,596 - Lincoln City had a higher average gate last season.
7) Kazakhstan are ranked 132nd in the world - 126 places behind England who are 6th.
8 ) Kazakhstan joined UEFA in 2002 having previously been affiliated to the Asian Football Confedaration.
9) Their record cap holder is Ruslan Baltiev who made his 68th appearance in yesterday's game against England.
10) Kazakhstan boss Bernd Storck won the German Cup with Borussia Dortmund as a player.
Kazakhstan's early impetus, which had given England problems, had disappeared by the time Rooney wrapped up the win with wonderful piece of improvisation, scoring with a bicycle kick after his first effort had been blocked by Mokin.
It was merely a case of damage limitation and maintaining respectability for Kazakhstan in the remaining minutes, although Lampard added England's fourth from the spot after Heskey was dragged back in the act of shooting by Abdulin.
The Kazakhstan fans had created a wonderful atmosphere with their unswerving support of their own team and an obvious appreciation and excitement at being in close proximity to England's Premier League superstars.
And it was almost as a means of reward that Capello added another to David Beckham's growing collection of cameo England caps with a 15-minute appearance as substitute.
Capello declared this as very much a case of job done for England at the end of a tough trek east - and while the result may have yielded nothing for Kazakhstan, this whole week has been a rewarding experience for this country and an important staging post in their development as a football nation.
Meanwhile, second-placed Croatia missed the chance to close the gap on England when they drew 2-2 at home to Ukraine in Zagreb.
Safety first: Kazakhstan police and security officers watched on as England arrived for a high profile World Cup qualifier
Pitch battle: Groundstaff at the Central Stadium in Almaty struggle to get the pitch up to scratch for England's World Cup qualifier with Kazakhstan
Centre of attention: England manager Fabio Capello greets the press ahead of England's World Cup encounter with Kazakhstan
Culture clash: England midfielder Steven Gerrard feels the force of a tackle during their World Cup match in Kazakhstan
Panic stations: John Terry was forced to clear from Kazakhstan's Tahat Nusserbayer as the hosts threatened England's goal numerous times in the opening period
Speed of thought: Theo Walcott troubled Kazakhstan with his fleetness of movement all night for England
Getting ahead: Gareth Barry took advantage of some sloppy Kazakhstan marking to head England in front in Almaty
All white on the night: England survived an early scare to run out comfortable winners against Kazakhstan in their World Cup qualifier in Almaty
Becks appeal: David Beckham came on as a late substitute for England in Almaty as Kazakhstan were beaten 4-0 to strengthen the visitors' chances of World Cup qualification
Uninvited guest: A pitch invader books himself an uncomfortable night's stay in the cells during England's World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan
Back of the net: England striker Wayne Rooney swivels to score with Kazakhstan goalkeeper Alexandr Mokin helpless after saving the first effort
Up in the air: Wayne Rooney scored a spectacular third in England's 4-0 win over Kazakhstan as the visitors ran out comfortable winners in the end
Finishing touch: Frank Lamard salutes the travelling England supporters after completing the scoring from the penalty spot against Kazakhstan in Almaty
news.bbc.co.uk/sport
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