Ella Toone scored a hat-trick on what she called a “special night” as England hit 10 goals against Latvia to maintain their 100% record in Women’s World Cup qualifying.
Ellen White grabbed her 44th England goal to move joint second overall in the list of the nation’s top female goalscorers – and also had a penalty saved as the Lionesses were in total control.
Manchester United’s Toone was twice left unmarked and scored the first two in the opening 12 minutes and got her third in the second half, beating the goalkeeper at the near post.
“I’m delighted I managed to get the hat-trick, but more importantly we got the three points which was the main thing we set out to do,” said 22-year-old Toone, who now has five England goals in six appearances.
“It’s been a special night and a very proud moment for me and my family.”
England manager Sarina Wiegman called Toone “a very talented player” and added: “I don’t know how good she will become – that’s up to her. But she’s really talented, that’s obvious. I’m very happy she got this hat-trick.”
England’s other goals saw Chelsea defender Millie Bright convert from close range, Beth Mead produced a composed finish and substitute Rachel Daly tapped in from a few yards out.
Captain Leah Williamson curled home an eighth goal and Georgia Stanway arrowed a low shot into the bottom corner for number nine.
Daly rounded the keeper for England’s 10th – the second time in qualifying they had reached double figures following their 10-0 win in Luxembourg last month.
However, they fell short of their biggest-ever competitive victory – a 13-0 success against Hungary back in 2005., external
The latest victory keeps England top of Group D, with four wins from four, having scored 32 goals and conceded none.