Football News

England succumb to Russia

England succumb to Russia


England succumb to Russia

It was a tale of dodgy refereeing as England were defeated this afternoon 2-1 by Russia despite Wayne Rooney giving the Three Lions an early lead. However, questions will be raised about McLaren's future as Pavluchenko scored a late brace to put Russia in pole position for qualifying for Euro 2008.

The hopes of England rest on Israel as Russia travel there to complete their Euro 2008 qualification campaign.

The artificial pitch proved troublesome for England as the ball was noticeably quicker for most of the game. McClaren and his men saw their five-match winning streak come to an end.

Victory would have seen England qualify, and they had high hopes after Wayne Rooney opened the scoring, but the scenario changed in the second half.

Russia are now only two points off England with a game in hand. McLaren handing Joleon Lescott his second cap - and his first start - placed a huge amount of trust in the young Everton defender. Lescott looked worried most of the game and out of place at times.

Konstatin Zurianov went close early on, but Paul Robinson made a good save. The threat of Kerzhakov was evident much of the game and the defence of England stood firm.

After 29 minutes, England broke the deadlock. Wayne Rooney got on the end of a clever touch on from Michael Owen and Rooney rifled the ball into the net.

Rooney went from hero to villain later on, after the referee gave a terrible penalty call for a tug on Zurianov. Pavluchenko stuck the penalty away.

Pavluchenko scored again 4 minutes later as he fired in from close range after Robinson could only parry Alexei Berezutsky's shot into his path.

It was a complete turnaround, and the Russians continued to look dangerous but able in defence.

England could not get the opportunity to grab an equaliser, despite Sol Campbell having a glorious chance to grab a point.

England now look in a precarious position to qualify. Matches with Andorra and Israel do not look too difficult with the Russians, and England still need to grab a victory over Croatia.