England Lose Ground to Croatia
European Championship Group Matches:Russia and Israel Make Progress
England fell further behind their main rivals in Group E of the European Championships.Croatia, Russia and Israel won while England prepared for their game in Estonia.
As England prepared for their crucial game against Estonia in the European Championships qualifying game, their closest rivals stole a march on them by winning their respective Group E matches over the weekend.
Having played six games, England were in fourth place, level on points with Israel and Russia and two points behind leaders Croatia but after the weekend games they have dropped further behind with their opponents gaining the three points from their games.
With their earlier kick-off, Russia temporarily moved to the top of the group with a four goal home win over bottom team Andorra. Their Sevilla striker, Aleksandr Kerzhakov scored a hat-trick to ensure a comfortable victory with Sychev adding a fourth. Russia are now on fourteen points, three ahead of England, but Croatia regained top spot with a single goal win in Estonia. The goal against England’s next opponents, was scored in the first half by Eduardo.
Israel continued to keep the pressure on the leaders by winning 2-1 in Macedonia. Israel took an early lead through Itzhaki but the home side equalised within two minutes through Stojkov and it was a goal just before half-time from Colautti that ensured Israel’s victory. Israel remain in second place but have played one game more than the other teams.
While England and Estonia are playing on Wednesday, Croatia will be entertaining Russia in a game that is vital to both teams. The winners of that game will go into the summer as leaders of the group and a victory for Croatia would give them a five point lead at the top of the group, putting them in a strong position for qualification with only five games to be played during the autumn.
A win for England is essential if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the finals to be played in Austria and Switzerland next summer. With three teams above them, England can not afford to drop any more points, putting the England manager under considerable pressure. He will probably have to go into the game without captain, John Terry, who had to leave the field early with an injury against Brazil at Wembley. David Beckham following his impressive performance in that game is assured of a starting place in the team and he will want to produce another good performance to ensure that the England manager, Steve McLaren has to select him for the next games, even though he may be playing his football in America for LA Galaxy. England have to play Russia twice and will meet Croatia at Wembley in the coming months.
