ZAGREB, Croatia — Theo Walcott scored three goals and Wayne Rooney ended his international scoring drought, leading England over Croatia 4-1 today in a World Cup qualifier.

England had lost twice against Croatia in qualifying for June's European Championship, including a 3-2 defeat at Wembley in November — when England needed only a tie to advance.

The 19-year-old Walcott, who hadn't scored in his three previous international appearances, became the first player to score three goals in a game for England since Peter Crouch in an exhibition against Jamaica two years ago.

David Beckham replaced Walcott in the 84th minute. With 105 appearances, the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder tied Billy Wright for fourth on England's career list, trailing only Peter Shilton (125), Bobby Moore (108) and Bobby Charlton (106).

Walcott got his first goal in the 26th minute, taking advantage after a botched clearance from Danijel Pranjic hit his teammate Josip Simunic. The ball fell to Walcott, who scored from a tight angle.

Walcott connected in the 60th from a similar position after a perfect pass by Rooney, who made it 3-0 in the 63rd after a cross from Ashley Cole. It was the 15th goal in 46 appearances for Rooney, who hadn't scored since a Euro qualifier at Russia last October.

Walcott scored the final goal in the 81st minute.

Croatia played a man short after Robert Kovac was ejected in the 54th — he appeared to hit Joe Cole after a foul. Mario Mandzukic scored for the Croats on a breakaway in the 76th.