Two goals from Bolton striker Dion Charles gave Michael O’Neill a winning start to his second spell as Northern Ireland manager in Serravalle.

It was a comfortable rather than comprehensive victory over the lowest-ranked team in world football who have never won a competitive game in 167 attempts.

England’s last three visits to San Marino have produced 24 goals without reply.

But O’Neill will be satisfied to launch his Euro 2024 campaign on a positive note in Group H, having taken 20 months and 10 games to get a win in his first spell in charge.

Not surprisingly, Northern Ireland dominated and Charles got his first senior international goal in the 24th minute when he stabbed home at the far post from Conor Washington’s cross.

He added another 10 minutes after half-time with a header from Jamal Lewis’ ball into the box which goalkeeper Elia Benedettini and Roberto Di Maio couldn’t quite prevent from crossing the line.

Nicola Nanni had ball in net for the group minnows but it was ruled out for a marginal offside.

O’Neill will be hoping to build on this performance as he looks forward to a Windsor Park homecoming in his second game against Finland in Belfast on Sunday.