Jermain Defoe marked his return to the England side with a goal as England claimed a 2-0 win over Lithuania in their Group F World Cup qualifier.

Gareth Southgate’s first competitive game as permanent England coach ended in a straight forward, if slightly uneventful victory.

Defoe opened the scoring after 21-minutes – his first goal for the Three Lions since 2013.

The winner came just after the hour mark when substitute Jamie Vardy finished following a slick move.

Well played, lads! ?#threelions pic.twitter.com/b9XuUsEuks

— England (@England) March 26, 2017

“I would have liked a bit more but I think only one team came to win the game. It’s always difficult to break down a packed defence,” said Southgate.

The Three Lions are now 4/7 from 4/6 to remain unbeaten in Group F at the half way point of the campaign.

England are four points clear at the summit and 1/20 from 1/12 to qualify as group winners.

Elsewhere in Group F – Scotland claim a huge three points with a last gap victory over Slovenia at Hampden.

The only goal of the game arrived just two-minutes from time when substitute Chris Martin saw his shot deflect past Jan Obloak.

Scotland are now in fourth place in Group F – two points off Slovakia in second. They are now 2/1 to claim a qualifying spot.

In Group C – Northern Ireland’s excellent form under Michael O’Neil continued with a 2-0 win over Norway in Belfast.

First-half goals from Jamie Ward and Conor Washington secured all three points for the Northern Irish, who remain in firm control of second place – behind leaders Germany.

Northern Ireland ?????? pic.twitter.com/BIcg1pM4XH

— Coral (@Coral) March 26, 2017