The Three Lions put up a stellar show as they ran riot at home to record their first win in Group I.
A fulminating start to the game against saw Southgate’s men hit three past the visitors thanks to goals from James Ward-Prowse, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Raheem Sterling.
Calvert-Lewin got England’s fourth goal eight minutes after the break before debutant Ollie Watkins compounded San Marino’s misery by getting his first goal for his country during the dying embers of the game.
“We did it as well as we could. I was really pleased with the way we pressed when we lost the ball,” Southgate told ITV after the game.
“That highlighted the mentality of the team for the full 90 minutes. Of course, it's an opponent we should beat, but I thought they went about the job really well.
"There were lots of good individual performances. It would be difficult to pick one out. The midfield players moved the ball around really well.
“Kalvin Phillips, I was really pleased for him. He's used the ball well and his athleticism around the pitch was good.
"Mason Mount in the first half was excellent and set the tone. It was good to see Jesse Lingard looking like he's enjoying his football again. There were a lot of good things."
Next up for England is the second game of the group against Albania at the Arena Kombetare.
