England 3-0 Russia

England completed a memorable 3-0 victory over Russia to put their qualification hopes well on track. England looked impressive throughout, and Michael Owen scored two superb goals and Rio Ferdinand wrapped up the victory late on.

Michael Owen scored his first after taking a pass from Gareth Barry, controlling, then hitting the ball past the Russian goalkeeper and in off the past. His second was just as impressive, taking the ball down and hitting it over the keeper. Rio Ferdinand scored a late 84th minute goal, taking a shimmy past the Russian defence and rifling the ball home.

It was the end of a memorable few days for the under fire Steve McLaren, but two 3-0 victories later and England's qualification hopes are back on track.

Special mention must go to the (again) impressive Gareth Barry. Rarely putting a foot wrong all game, he controlled the game from the middle of the park. He passed the ball superbly and has given Steve McLaren another huge headache as Hargreaves, Lampard and Carrick are all fighting for a starting berth in the England midfield.

Shaun Wright-Phillips looked dangerous again down the right, and linked up well with Micah Richards. David Beckham will certainly have a lot to worry about as his place comes under pressure from the Chelsea man.

Talk of mindgames and bonuses prior to the game gave England much to worry about. As McLaren was quick to emphasise a change in tactics; in came Emile Heskey which proved somewhat of a masterstroke by the ex-Middlesbrough boss. Over the two games Emile looked strong and dynamic on the ball.

As for the goalscorer, Michael Owen, it will be an excellent few days for the Newcastle striker. Grabbing two goals today he looks like he is nearing his previous form yet again. If he continues this, England will look forward to the reality that qualification for Euro 2008 is within their grasp.

The game was an embarrassment for Guus Hiddink, who had talked up Russia's chances all week. The man once hotly tipped to take the England job before McLaren was appointed, looked tactically outclassed by England. This was without a doubt the best performance by England under Steve McLaren.