England continued their Group E revival as Michael Owen
and Micah Richards scored in the second period to add to a first-half
Shaun Wright-Phillips strike which secured a comfortable home win against
Israel.
Third straight win
A run of three games without a victory looked to have left England with
an uphill task to qualify, but 3-0 victories against Andorra and Estonia
got their campaign back on track and once Wright-Phillips had volleyed
in the opener, Steve McClaren's team were always in charge against visitors
who had lost only one of their previous 18 competitive fixtures. Owen
eased any lingering doubts with a fine second goal four minutes into the
second half, his 38th international strike, before Richards headed in
his first for his country to round off a dominant display.
England on top
England had been beaten by Germany last month but McClaren's side were
quickly into their stride at Wembley Stadium and could have been in front
as early as the tenth minute, Emile Heskey - on his first appearance since
UEFA EURO 2004T - blazing Owen's lay-off over the bar. The hosts continued
to press, however, and got their reward in the 20th minute when Wright-Phillips
stole in at the far post to volley Joe Cole's left-wing cross into the
net.
Mixed fortunes
England might have added to their advantage before half-time as they kept
Israel penned inside their own half, Owen driving a shot straight at goalkeeper
Dudu Awat and slashing the rebound high and wide. The Newcastle United
FC striker made amends in style soon after the interval, turning on the
edge of the Israel penalty area and drilling in an unstoppable half-volley.
Richard rose highest to nod in a third from Gareth Barry's corner six
minutes past the hour to ensure England will go into Wednesday's match
against Russia, who are a point above them, in good heart. Israel have
to wait until 17 October for their next game, against Croatia.
,
08/09/2007
Russian ladies dream about happy marriage.
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