Theo Walcott hit a stunning hat-trick as England thrashed Croatia in a World Cup qualifying tie in Zagreb. The 19-year-old got the nod to start ahead of David Beckham and he drilled England ahead, before Robert Kovac was sent off for an elbow on Joe Cole. Walcott grabbed a carbon-copy second and soon after the exceptional Wayne Rooney slotted in a brilliant third. It was a magnificent performance and more than coach Fabio Capello can have dreamed of. The result puts England firmly in control of Group Six after two wins in five days, but Capello will be even more delighted by the manner of his team's triumph.Croatia suffered their first competitive defeat at home and it was sweet revenge for England, beating the team that ended their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008. It was a far cry from England's limp displays under Steve McClaren and they were far superior in every department.