ENGLAND women's World Cup qualifying campaign got off to a blistering start as they overcame Belarus at Dean Court in a 6-0 rout today.

A first-half hat-trick from midfielder Karen Carney along with goals from Ellen White, Natasha Dowie and Eniola Aluko made certain that the Lionesses put to bed their disastrous European Championship campaign in Sweden earlier this summer.

In a game which they dominated from start to finish, England created a whole host of chances in front of nearly 7,000 people.

Carney, who was given the player-of-the-match award, was substituted to a standing ovation from the home crowd on 63 minutes when she was replaced by Jill Scott.

The result gives interim boss Brent Hills his first win in charge.

England’s qualifying campaign continues when they entertain Turkey at Fratton Park on Thursday.