The Mid-week Review

by Danny Wright

England won their crunch game with Russia, taking maximum points in a 3-0 win at Wembley. Michael Owen was the star of the show as his stunning brace set up the win, his first a cool finish from all of 6 yards and his second a stunning volley set up by the brilliant Emile Heskey; don’t adjust your screens –you read it right– the brilliant Emile Heskey, whose industrious display is worthy of praise from all quarters.

Rio Ferdinand’s strike sealed the win late on, his weak effort creeping past a suspect looking Russian keeper. His counterpart Paul Robinson looked more assured at the other end, the Tottenham keeper fending off the critics for the time being.

England fully deserved their win and looked like a good footballing side, a change which is definitely refreshing to see. Steve McClaren’s men now go second in Group E, trailing leaders Croatia by three points who thumped sorry Andorra 6-0 tonight. England take on Estonia and Russia next month as they look to complete their qualifying quest.

Scotland produced an outstanding display to beat France 1-0 in Paris; the Tartan Army doing a qualifying double over their rivals to top Group B. James McFadden’s second goal in as many games earned m the Scots the win, his long range effort leaving Mickael Landreau stranded and sending the away support into raptures. Scotland are in an excellent position to qualify for the championships next summer, their fate well and truly in their own hands.

There was no such joy for a beleaguered Republic of Ireland side, who were beaten 1-0 by the Czech Republic in Prague to effectively end their qualification hopes. To add insult to injury Stephen Hunt was harshly sent off, although his introduction stirred the Irish. Marek Jankulovski’s strike proved to be the winner, as Paul McShane went closest for the Republic.

Northern Ireland were to feel similar heartbreak as Keith Gillespie’s own goal gifted Iceland the winner in a 2-1 defeat in treacherous conditions in Reykjavik. The hosts took the lead on six minutes thanks Armann Smari Bjornnson’s effort, however Ireland hit back and scored a deserved equalizer when the prolific David Healy slotted home from the penalty spot. The visitors looked to be holding out for a vital point until Gillespie turned agonizingly into his own net, leaving his side three points behind leaders Sweden who have played a game less.

On a more positive note, Wales turned things around with a 5-2 win over Slovakia in an entertaining game in Trnava. Freddy Eastwood’s second international goal put Wales on their way, as Craig Bellamy brace, an own goal and a Simon Davies strike cancelled out Marek Mintal’s double. Wayne Hennessey continued his fine form for his country, his display reflective of the Wales’ solid defensive display.
In other news, Aston Villa goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen has denied he is looking for a move away from Villa Park. On-loan Scott Carson is Martin O’Neil’s current number one, however the 31-year-old slammed reports linking him away, telling the BBC: “I've said all along to everyone at Aston Villa that I'm here to fight for my place. But I'm not looking to leave the club to do that. That has never been my intention”

Elsewhere, goalkeeper David Lucas has signed for League One Leeds on a short-term deal, and Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane claimed that Shay Given is the best goalkeeper in the world – and that Czech counterpart Peter Cech is not. He told Sky Sports News: “Cech is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but we are quite lucky in that we have the best in Shay Given” Keane didn’t do his claim much good as Cech kept a clean sheet his side’s 1-0 over the Irish on Wednesday night.

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