Manchester United Fans Club

England second 3-0 win in double header Euro 2008 qualifier matches against Israel and Russia at Wembley have suddenly turn themselves as favorite to win the group.

Michael Owen hit 40th goal for England, he scored in the opening 7th minute pouncing on a loose ball in penalty area to slot home with his right foot. His second was spectacular, scoring with half volley assist by Heskey headed down ball after squeezing between two Russia defenders in the 31st minute.

Rio Ferdinand wrap up the score sheet by slotting home in the 84th minute after some good work by Owen in the penalty area. His second international goal since the 2002 World Cup. So, six month after suffering the worst abuse ever directed at an England manger, Steve McClaren now knows that England require just five points from the remaining three games to qualify, providing one of them comes in the return meeting with Russia next month.

England should have opened up a five-point cushion over Russia by beating Estonia on home soil, with Owen around, Rooney back from injury and Lampard, Hargreaves and Beckham available, McClaren has every reason to be optimistic.

The big question now is whether McClaren will stick with the same understudy that did so well in England last two games particularly Barry, Wright-Phillips and Heskey. England has never been comfortable in midfield when Lampard and Gerrard played together while no doubt both player are world class and a core player in their team.

In Shaun Wright-Phillips, England may have found the replacement for the coming to age David Beckham, however, Beckham dead ball specialist is crucial to England team when the games does not goes well as planned.

Will Emile Heskey still in the team when Rooney back from injury? I would say he deserve to be in the team. He can provide England plan-B when the need arise. England have a pool of talented player, it’s only how the manager utilize the players and make some brave decision which benefits them team not stumble to senior player pressure.

Below are links to England goals in youtube

1st goal:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5uc_ggrHWDE&mode=related&search=

2nd goal:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RJgeNE8Mw1o&mode=related&search=

3rd goal:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=aFCAwbNWmeE