‘Owen first half double ensures England victory’
England 3 - 0 Russia – Euro 2008 Qualifier – Wembley Stadium – 12th September
England collected a second win in four days with a victory over Russia at Wembley. Two goals from Michael Owen inside the first twenty five minutes gave England a comfortable base to build from as England blew Russia away inside the first half. Rio Ferdinand added a third scoring his first goal since the 2002 World Cup to give the Three Lions a comprehensive victory and end a great week for Steve Mcclaren.
England began with the same team which defeated Israel on Saturday. With Owen Hargreaves and Frank Lampard again out of contention through injury, Gareth Barry kept his place alongside Steven Gerrard in central midfield. Emile Heskey, buoyed by an excellent performance in his last Wembley outing got the nod ahead of Peter Crouch who started on the bench. With no David Beckham, Shaun Wright-Phillips also kept his place on the right hand side of midfield looking to build on his goal and a solid performance against Israel.
With much riding on a good result and a good performance against Russia, England started with great intent and continued on from their excellent showing against Israel. The home side immediately looked to press their opponents back and starting with a couple of dangerous corners from Gareth Barry it wasn't long before Michael Owen was able to steer home his thirty ninth International goal. Joe Cole’s overhead kick was blocked by the defender on its way to goal but from a cross into the area by Barry, Terry’s presence caused mayhem in the defense and left space for the England number ten. Showing the confidence which many presumed had been sapped from him by his injuries Owen took his time in a crowded penalty area and coolly bent the ball past the goalkeeper.
The great start was just what England needed and soon Owen almost found himself on the score sheet again. A fantastic ball from Gerrard played Heskey through and when his left foot shot was saved a bursting Owen was unable to steer the ball into the goal, slipping on the turf as he attempted to shoot. Despite their shell shock at the way in which England started Russia began to keep possession and were disappointed not to be back level when the referee denied them an equalizer, awarding handball rather than a goal when Zhirkova crashed the ball past Paul Robinson. Replays showed that the player controlled the ball with his chest and the goal was wrongly chalked off.
England came back towards the end of the second half and Shaun Wright Phillips almost added to his volley against Israel but the Chelsea man was unable to keep his header down when he connected with a cross from Joe Cole.
Michael Owen and Emile Heskey continued their brilliant link up and the former Liverpool combination enabled England to take a two nil lead when a flick on from Wigan’s Heskey was comfortably volleyed home by Newcastle’s Owen. Seemingly buoyed by his opener Owen again took his time and steered the ball past the goalkeeper who was left with no chance.
With a lead going into half time things looked comfortable for England but in the second half the Russians came out with a greater determination realizing that his teams qualification homes were also on the line. Sychov broke down the right almost straight after the whistle and despite beating Robinson he also beat the far post with a powerfully stuck drive. Russia threatened again moments later when the same player just failed to make connection with a cross coming in from the left, with the England defense stationary it was a let off for the side who had completely dominated the first half.
England soon realized that the job was not done and came back into the game when a driving run from Gerrard forced a full strength save from the goalkeeper. The Liverpool captain also exchanged passes with Joe Cole down the England left but was unable to steer the return pass into the net after a good dummy by Emile Heskey.
With half an hour left Russia threw on an extra striker in a bid to claw their way back into the game but England’s defensive line held firm despite their opponent’s domination in possession. The returning Peter Crouch replaced Emile Heskey for the final five minutes and along with Joe Cole helped set up a chance for Wright-Phillips although the midfielder's shot was comfortably parried by the Russian goalkeeper.
England looked to finish strongly and added a third to their goal difference five minutes from the end through Rio Ferdinand. A well worked move from Barry and Owen allowed Ferdinand space in the area who feinted to shoot before coming inside on his right and unleashing a vicious strike which seemed to go straight through the goalkeeper.
Ferdinand’s strike was pretty much the last meaningful action of the game as another 3-0 win pushed England above Russia into second place in their group.
England began with the same team which defeated Israel on Saturday. With Owen Hargreaves and Frank Lampard again out of contention through injury, Gareth Barry kept his place alongside Steven Gerrard in central midfield. Emile Heskey, buoyed by an excellent performance in his last Wembley outing got the nod ahead of Peter Crouch who started on the bench. With no David Beckham, Shaun Wright-Phillips also kept his place on the right hand side of midfield looking to build on his goal and a solid performance against Israel.
With much riding on a good result and a good performance against Russia, England started with great intent and continued on from their excellent showing against Israel. The home side immediately looked to press their opponents back and starting with a couple of dangerous corners from Gareth Barry it wasn't long before Michael Owen was able to steer home his thirty ninth International goal. Joe Cole’s overhead kick was blocked by the defender on its way to goal but from a cross into the area by Barry, Terry’s presence caused mayhem in the defense and left space for the England number ten. Showing the confidence which many presumed had been sapped from him by his injuries Owen took his time in a crowded penalty area and coolly bent the ball past the goalkeeper.
The great start was just what England needed and soon Owen almost found himself on the score sheet again. A fantastic ball from Gerrard played Heskey through and when his left foot shot was saved a bursting Owen was unable to steer the ball into the goal, slipping on the turf as he attempted to shoot. Despite their shell shock at the way in which England started Russia began to keep possession and were disappointed not to be back level when the referee denied them an equalizer, awarding handball rather than a goal when Zhirkova crashed the ball past Paul Robinson. Replays showed that the player controlled the ball with his chest and the goal was wrongly chalked off.
England came back towards the end of the second half and Shaun Wright Phillips almost added to his volley against Israel but the Chelsea man was unable to keep his header down when he connected with a cross from Joe Cole.
Michael Owen and Emile Heskey continued their brilliant link up and the former Liverpool combination enabled England to take a two nil lead when a flick on from Wigan’s Heskey was comfortably volleyed home by Newcastle’s Owen. Seemingly buoyed by his opener Owen again took his time and steered the ball past the goalkeeper who was left with no chance.
With a lead going into half time things looked comfortable for England but in the second half the Russians came out with a greater determination realizing that his teams qualification homes were also on the line. Sychov broke down the right almost straight after the whistle and despite beating Robinson he also beat the far post with a powerfully stuck drive. Russia threatened again moments later when the same player just failed to make connection with a cross coming in from the left, with the England defense stationary it was a let off for the side who had completely dominated the first half.
England soon realized that the job was not done and came back into the game when a driving run from Gerrard forced a full strength save from the goalkeeper. The Liverpool captain also exchanged passes with Joe Cole down the England left but was unable to steer the return pass into the net after a good dummy by Emile Heskey.
With half an hour left Russia threw on an extra striker in a bid to claw their way back into the game but England’s defensive line held firm despite their opponent’s domination in possession. The returning Peter Crouch replaced Emile Heskey for the final five minutes and along with Joe Cole helped set up a chance for Wright-Phillips although the midfielder's shot was comfortably parried by the Russian goalkeeper.
England looked to finish strongly and added a third to their goal difference five minutes from the end through Rio Ferdinand. A well worked move from Barry and Owen allowed Ferdinand space in the area who feinted to shoot before coming inside on his right and unleashing a vicious strike which seemed to go straight through the goalkeeper.
Ferdinand’s strike was pretty much the last meaningful action of the game as another 3-0 win pushed England above Russia into second place in their group.
England Vs Russia – Player Ratings – 12th September
Paul Robinson – England’s number one (for now) Robinson had very little more to do against Russia than he did against Israel. His kicking seemed much improved on recent showings in an International shirt and will no doubt start against Estonia next month.
Micah Richards – Once more showing the fearlessness of youth Richards helped England with some trademark explosive runs down the right hand side as well as consistently delivering threatening throw ins which created havoc and relived pressure at the defensive end. In the second period when he was required to defend he did so with a coolness and a no nonsense approach which would be expected of a much more experienced International.
John Terry – England’s captain was tested further than he was at the weekend but again showed himself to be accomplished with taking on the extra pressure of leading the team. He made some vital clearances during Russia’s spell of pressure and organized and marshaled his defense very well when necessary.
Rio Ferdinand – Alongside Terry, Ferdinand once again failed to be tested by a weak Russian strike force but did everything that was asked of him at the back for England. Will be pleased with his all too infrequent goal scoring heroics but certain that further tests will come.
Ashley Cole – Working well with his Chelsea team mate Joe down the left, the full back was allowed less space than he was against Israel but was still of vital importance when England were going forward. Although he got lucky with a penalty claim in the second half he was clearly on top of his marker throughout.
Shaun Wright-Phillips – Much quieter than against Israel, Wright-Phillips will be disappointed that he was not on the score sheet once again. As a good right winger should be, the Chelsea man was confident at both the defensive and offensive end and he worked hard to win the ball back when England came under pressure. His pace was superb on the counter attack and it is questionable whether Beckham will be able to regain his place in the team.
Steven Gerrard – Came into his own during the second half, Steven Gerrard was still running into the final minutes even when the game was won. A first half pass to set up a chance for Heskey epitomized the play of the Liverpool midfielder and working in tandem with Barry there seemed to be more freedom about his performance than when he plays alongside Frank Lampard.
Gareth Barry – Yet again one of England’s star men. Barry will not get the praise of the goal scorers of be hyped up in the same way as Steven Gerrard for his influence on the England side but not putting a foot wrong in central midfield his ability on the ball poses Steve Maclaren a real selection problem. The Villa midfielder was neat and tidy in possession and once again had a hand in a couple of the goals.
Joe Cole – Cole didn’t appear to be at his sprightly best for England but still helped create several chances for his side through the first half. Lacking in match practice Cole’s touch let him down once or twice and a sharper midfielder would probably have got on the score sheet or at least tested the goalkeeper with a couple of shots.
Michael Owen – Back to his best? Owen, undoubtedly firing on all cylinders because of his fantastic goal against Israel, the Newcastle forward was given a great boost by scoring in the first three minutes. Looking back to his as predatory and razor sharp as he ever has, Owen showed yet again that it’s impossible to write off the talent of a player who netted three goals in two matches. Two more superb finishes against Russia will be everything he needs to establish more confidence and surely break Bobby Charlton’s International scoring record.
Emile Heskey – Building on his performance from Saturday, Heskey was once again a useful weapon in England’s armoury and without getting the headlines or praise in a direct sense as his strike partner Owen will he performed admirably after such a line time away from the International stage. It will be very interesting to see who now wins the selection battle between him and Crouch.
Peter Crouch – Crouch wasn’t allowed very much time to prove that he should have started ahead of Heskey but the tall Liverpool striker did as expected winning headers and holding up the play well.
Phil Neville – Replaced Joe Cole for the final ten minutes, kept it very simple when he came on as he usually does.
Stuart Downing – Came on for the final couple of minutes and had very little to do.
Micah Richards – Once more showing the fearlessness of youth Richards helped England with some trademark explosive runs down the right hand side as well as consistently delivering threatening throw ins which created havoc and relived pressure at the defensive end. In the second period when he was required to defend he did so with a coolness and a no nonsense approach which would be expected of a much more experienced International.
John Terry – England’s captain was tested further than he was at the weekend but again showed himself to be accomplished with taking on the extra pressure of leading the team. He made some vital clearances during Russia’s spell of pressure and organized and marshaled his defense very well when necessary.
Rio Ferdinand – Alongside Terry, Ferdinand once again failed to be tested by a weak Russian strike force but did everything that was asked of him at the back for England. Will be pleased with his all too infrequent goal scoring heroics but certain that further tests will come.
Ashley Cole – Working well with his Chelsea team mate Joe down the left, the full back was allowed less space than he was against Israel but was still of vital importance when England were going forward. Although he got lucky with a penalty claim in the second half he was clearly on top of his marker throughout.
Shaun Wright-Phillips – Much quieter than against Israel, Wright-Phillips will be disappointed that he was not on the score sheet once again. As a good right winger should be, the Chelsea man was confident at both the defensive and offensive end and he worked hard to win the ball back when England came under pressure. His pace was superb on the counter attack and it is questionable whether Beckham will be able to regain his place in the team.
Steven Gerrard – Came into his own during the second half, Steven Gerrard was still running into the final minutes even when the game was won. A first half pass to set up a chance for Heskey epitomized the play of the Liverpool midfielder and working in tandem with Barry there seemed to be more freedom about his performance than when he plays alongside Frank Lampard.
Gareth Barry – Yet again one of England’s star men. Barry will not get the praise of the goal scorers of be hyped up in the same way as Steven Gerrard for his influence on the England side but not putting a foot wrong in central midfield his ability on the ball poses Steve Maclaren a real selection problem. The Villa midfielder was neat and tidy in possession and once again had a hand in a couple of the goals.
Joe Cole – Cole didn’t appear to be at his sprightly best for England but still helped create several chances for his side through the first half. Lacking in match practice Cole’s touch let him down once or twice and a sharper midfielder would probably have got on the score sheet or at least tested the goalkeeper with a couple of shots.
Michael Owen – Back to his best? Owen, undoubtedly firing on all cylinders because of his fantastic goal against Israel, the Newcastle forward was given a great boost by scoring in the first three minutes. Looking back to his as predatory and razor sharp as he ever has, Owen showed yet again that it’s impossible to write off the talent of a player who netted three goals in two matches. Two more superb finishes against Russia will be everything he needs to establish more confidence and surely break Bobby Charlton’s International scoring record.
Emile Heskey – Building on his performance from Saturday, Heskey was once again a useful weapon in England’s armoury and without getting the headlines or praise in a direct sense as his strike partner Owen will he performed admirably after such a line time away from the International stage. It will be very interesting to see who now wins the selection battle between him and Crouch.
Peter Crouch – Crouch wasn’t allowed very much time to prove that he should have started ahead of Heskey but the tall Liverpool striker did as expected winning headers and holding up the play well.
Phil Neville – Replaced Joe Cole for the final ten minutes, kept it very simple when he came on as he usually does.
Stuart Downing – Came on for the final couple of minutes and had very little to do.