England's women hammered Malta 8-0 at Bloomfield Road as they opened their 2011 World Cup qualifying campaign in emphatic fashion.

Midfielder Fara Williams scored a hat-trick as Hope Powell's side, who reached the final of Euro 2009 last month where they were beaten by Germany, struck four times in each half.

Captain Faye White started the rout, while Williams was on target either side of a Jess Clarke goal in the first half.

Malta had defender Natasha Pace sent off for a second yellow card in the 57th minute before Williams hit her third of the game and Clarke her second.

Emily Westwood and Rachel Unitt completed the scoring.