England's Euro 2012 qualification - in pictures

Just two months after the ignominy of their World Cup exit against Germany, England began their Euro 2012 qualification journey against Bulgaria at Wembley Stadium Photograph: Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Jermain Defoe scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 victory. His first, in the third minute, was a spectacular volley. His third, seen here, came four minutes from time Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

Four days later England travelled to Switzerland. Wayne Rooney scored an early goal before the Swiss were reduced to 10 men. Adam Johnson and Darren Bent scored second-half goals as England repelled a spirited comeback to win 3-1 Photograph: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images

October brought a visit from Montenegro. But try as Peter Crouch and his team-mates did, they could not unlock the opposition's defence. A 0-0 draw was secured only after Milan Jovanovic rattled the bar in the closing stages for Montenegro Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

Frank Lampard converted from the spot after Ashley Young was felled by James Collins when England met Wales at the Millennium Stadium in March 2011 Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

After 15 minutes, England were two up as Darren Bent netted from Young's pass. The Welsh could not muster a riposte Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images

Tranquillo Barnetta scored two direct free-kicks for Switzerland in the space of three minutes to stun Wembley in June Photograph: David Cannon/Getty Images

His second beat Joe Hart at his near post Photograph: Michael Steele - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

A Frank Lampard penalty in the 37th minute brought England back into the match Photograph: Michael Steele - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

That preceded a second-half gem from Young which drew the scores level. It ended 2-2 Photograph: Clive Mason/Getty Images

Gary Cahill scored on his competitive debut as England beat Bulgaria 3-0 at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

Two goals from Rooney, including this header, made for another satisfying journey home from an away fixture Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

A 1-0 victory over Wales was enough to put England on the brink of qualification for the finals ... Young was once again the scorer Photograph: Scott Heavey - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

England went to Montenegro needing only a draw to qualify. And they were soon two goals up through Young's stooping header and Darren Bent's tap-in Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters

Though Rooney's needless red card for kicking Miodrag Dzudovic up the backside, and a comeback by the home side, rather marred England's successful qualification Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images