Daniel Sturridge headed home in the first period before Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill did likewise in the second to hand Gareth Southgate's men victory at Wembley
In one of Gareth Southgate's toughest decisions, the interim manager started the Liverpool forward - despite finding himself out of the Reds' best XI - and was duly rewarded with a clever first half header, to put England in front.
Scotland started the second half the stronger of the two sides, and had a golden opportunity to level, but James Forrest missed a sitter.
Minutes later, Gordon Strachan's side were punished, as Adam Lallana headed home Danny Rose's cross.
Gary Cahill's header added some gloss to the scoreline and sent the hosts clear at the top of Group F and on track to reach Russia 2018.
Here are five things we learned...
1. Sturridge still knows where the goal is
As ever, the Liverpool striker was perfectly placed to direct Kyle Walker’s cross past Celtic keeper Craig Gordon.
He may be struggling to get a game under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, but Harry Kane’s absence has given him a chance in the England team - and he is taking it.
Southgate now has a selection poser for when Kane is fit.
2. Stones remains a work in progress
The Manchester City man was a delight to watch as he brought the ball out of defence shortly before half time.
But he was harried into giving the ball away earlier with the Scotland’s players targeting him.
It continued after the break with Stones seen by Strachan’s men as the weak link in the England back line.
3. Decision-making let the brave Scots down
Griffiths went for goal (and glory) instead of playing in Snodgrass. Hanley blew a free header. Forrest put a great chance the wrong side of the past.
They will rue missing the opportunities they had to put the pressure on. Shortly after Forrest fluffed his lines, England raced down the other end and scored to rub salt in the wound.
Strachan will have been pleased at his players’ application but he’ll have been cursing their poor finishing.
4. Rooney did little to justify that recall
He was as willing as ever but it was Sturridge whose movement caused problems.
Rooney, in fact, was at fault for giving the ball away for Griffiths’ first-half chance. Yes, it was from his corner that Gary Cahill headed England’s third.
But Rooney failed to impose himself or to pose a convincing argument that he is back to being undroppable.
5. England are still wide open defensively
It took an outstanding performance by Joe Hart to prevent them conceding in Slovenia.
Here it was bad finishing from the Scots. But England do need to tighten up.
Cahill took a yellow card for hauling back Grant Hanley after he was robbed. England were chasing shadows when the Scots carved out that move to set up James Forrest.
A better side would have punished Southgate’s men.
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