England ease into a 2-0 half-time lead over San Marino in their Euro 2016 qualifying clash at Wembley thanks to Wayne Rooney's penalty and a Phil Jagielka header.

England have been predictably comfortable on their way to claiming a 2-0 half-time lead over San Marino at Wembley.

Inevitably, England were on top from the first whistle, and went close early on when Danny Welbeck's deflected strike flew just wide of the post.

Manuel Battistini of San Marino evades Danny Welbeck of England during the EURO 2016 Group E Qualifying match between England and San Marino at Wembley Stadium on October 9, 2014 © Getty Images

Despite dominating possession, the breakthrough would not be easy to come by in the opening stages of the game for England as the world's joint-lowest ranked side defended stubbornly until the 24th minute.

San Marino keeper Aldo Simoncini quickly went from hero to zero at Wembley to gift the lead to England as he failed to deal with a corner, allowing Phil Jagielka to nod home moments after Raheem Sterling had seen a powerful strike beaten away.

England's defender Phil Jagielka (3rd L) heads the ball to score his team's first goal during a Euro 2016 Qualifier football match between England and San Marino at Wembley Stadium on October 9, 2014 © Getty Images

A second goal almost arrived shortly after when Kieran Gibbs forced his way into the box, before Jordan Henderson saw his effort blocked inside a congested penalty area.

Simoncini would return to form later in the first half to tip over a close-range effort from Welbeck, but the visitors would be two down a few seconds later when Rooney was fouled inside the box by Andy Selva.

The England captain would take on the responsibility from 12 yards, and he made no mistake as he fired home his 42nd international goal just before the break.