England breezed to a 4-0 win over Moldova in their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Wembley on Friday night.

Captain Steven Gerrard got the ball rolling with an early goal before Rickie Lambert netted their second and set up a brace for strike partner Danny Welbeck.

The Three Lions were without Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who had to pull out of the game due to a nasty gash on his head following a collision with Phil Jones ahead of the international break.

It didn't prove to be much of a problem for England though, as they controlled proceedings throughout and took the lead 12 minutes in through a low strike from Gerrard at the edge of the area.

Jack Wilshere danced through the defence before being denied by the goalkeeper soon after but a second goal was on the way as the goalkeeper slapped Theo Walcott's shot into the path of Lambert who reacted well to head home at the far post.

Welbeck was shown a yellow card for shooting after the whistle had gone - and will now miss their upcoming clash with the Ukraine.

The forward responded by netting his first of the evening on the stroke of half-time when he controlled a ball over the top brilliantly before side-footing home from close range.

The game was ended as a contest six minutes after the break as Lambert poked a ball through for Welbeck to run onto and the forward dinked a composed finish over the goalkeeper.

England continued to create chances, while youngster Ross Barkley almost enjoying a dream debut but he fired inches wide moments after coming onto the field.

The hosts had done enough though and comfortably saw out the remainder of the game to secure the spoils.

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