England vs. Russia

We've got all the big game buildup as England play the crucial Euro 2008 Qualifier against Russia at Wembley on Wednesday. An England victory would leave them favorites to qualify along with Croatia.
McLaren selection headache - Gerrard declares himself fit - Owen: more clinical England - Hiddink "kidology" - Barry likely to start - Hiddink: no regrets - Terry: Russia is a tougher test - Abramovich offers huge bonus

We preview the England vs. Russia game with close analysis as England know only 3 points will do as Croatia head the group and Guus Hiddink's impressive Russia side are keen to end England's hopes of qualification and rescue their own.

England impressed during Saturday's 3-0 win over Israel and will be keen to follow up that win with another 3 points.

Venables: Hiddink kidology

England's assistant coach Terry Venables has accused Russia boss Guus Hiddink of 'kidology' in the build-up to the match, "Hiddink has already had plenty to say for himself, claiming England lack passion, are scared to play and won't qualify - then in the next breath he is telling us Russia are in transition.

"You also hear him moaning about having to play his third-choice goalkeeper.

"When you have coached at the level both he and I have, you know all the tricks and the mind games.

"I'm not buying any of it. I'm shutting my ears. It's all kidology."

Hargreaves probably won't play

Man Utd's midfielder Owen Hargreaves is unlikely to play in the midweek game against Russia. The injured ex-Bayern Munich player had missed the game with Israel and Gareth Barry impressed in his absence. Gareth Barry is now likely to start the key game against Russia.

Abramovich offers Russians huge bonuses

Roman Abramovich is offering an extra £25,000 a man if Russia defeat England tonight. The total reward for each player will be a whopping £40,000. Read this article