England 3
Wright-Phillips 11 Rooney 32 Rahn 33(og)
Estonia 0
England 3 Estonia 0 October 13 2007
The Wayne Rooney renaissance began at Wembley as England left themselves needing a win in Russia on Wednesday to book their place at Euro 2008.
At the end of a week in which Rooney admitted he had not played well for his country in two years and an incredible 1211 days his since last competitive goal for the Three Lions, the Manchester United man finally hit the target as Steve McClaren's side recorded a comfortable win over Estonia.
Shaun Wright-Phillips had already put England in front when Rooney lashed home Joe Cole's low cross, the highlight of a fine, industrious performance which should provide him with a welcome surge of confidence.
Taavi Rahn's memorable own goal completed England's haul, and a fifth successive Group E win - all by the same score, to move five points clear of Russia, who have a game in hand.
But victory came with a hefty price tag as Ashley Cole was stretchered off in obvious pain after his left ankle crumpled underneath him at the start of the second half as he tangled for possession with Kaimar Saag.
It is difficult to see how Cole could possibly be fit for the crucial trip to Moscow, leaving McClaren with a tricky selection dilemma to ponder for a game which could see England confirm their place in Austria and Switzerland next summer a month ahead of schedule.
With Derby, Sunderland, Arsenal and, now, Watford, Mart Poom has seen a decade of service in this country, amassing well over 200 first-team appearances.
Many more repeats of the blunder which gifted Wright-Phillips his opener and Poom will not get many more chances to shine.
A scorer against Israel at Wembley last month, Wright-Phillips surged between Dmitri Kruglov and Rahn as he went after Micah Richards' astute through ball. Having successfully achieved his aim, the Chelsea man let fly from an acute angle more in hope than expectation.
Inexplicably, his shot flew straight between Poom's legs and into the Estonia net. With just 11 minutes on the clock, it was effectively game over.
Rooney landed one audacious chip onto the roof of Poom's net before he eventually broke his duck, turning effortlessly onto Joe Cole's low cross and unleashing a powerful shot that flicked off Raio Piiroja and nestled neatly in the corner.
Within a minute, England had a third, a most bizarre own-goal from Andrei Stepanov, who stuck out his neck out to intercept Ashley Cole's cross and from fully 20 yards beat Poom with firm header Alan Shearer would have been proud of.
The comfort of his team's position did not stop McClaren continuing his voracious note-taking. Among his scribblings must have been another big tick for man of the match Gareth Barry, who continues to impress as Steven Gerrard's central midfield partner.
Sol Campbell too could be pleased with his 70th international appearance and his first under McClaren, although in truth he did not have that much to do.
Frank Lampard made his entrance in place of Michael Owen near the end, and was greeted by widespread booing.
By then England had become somewhat disjointed anyway as they ambled to the final whistle.