As the crucial clash for the Euro 2008 qualifier between England and Russia is on the cards, missing key players including injured Wayne Rooney, Owen Hargreaves, Frank Lampard and suspended Peter Crouch is not a major concern for England as the same team comprehensively beat Israel 3-0 in their previous encounter.
Amid good quality players, Russia will be keen to qualify for the European Championship next summer as the team manager Guus Hiddink clearly stated that his team will not play for a draw at Wembley. Moving to the second slot was not a mere fluke despite missing goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov. Croatia still leads the Group E table as Russia has a narrow advantage with one point lead over England.
For now it seems that Gareth Barry is again likely to partner Steven Gerrard in midfield after he returned to the fold for England at the weekend, after a seven year absence from the national side and played a key role in an impressive performance against Isreal.
However, having not got past the last eight in any competition since the semi-finals of Euro 96, England also needs to end its old unimpressive record.
Via: BBC
