Rooney back on track

Steve McClaren is hoping that England will now see the best of Wayne Rooney after he scored his first goal in a competitive match for three years.

The Manchester United forward notched up England's second goal in the 3-0 win over Estonia via a deflection.

And the England coach will be hoping for a repeat against Russia on Wednesday.

McLaren praised Rooney's honest admission that he has had two years of below-par performances for England earlier this week and commented that the 21-year-old forward is still far from the finished product.

McLaren said: "When players of this standard receive criticism, they have to prove themselves on the pitch. That is exactly what Wayne has done. Now he has to do is consistently."

Victory in Moscow against Guus Hiddink's side on Wednesday will secure England's place in the European Championship finals in Austria and Switzerland next Summer.

Gareth Barry was once again man of the match for England, justifying his place in the midfield ahead of a fit again Frank Lampard.

Lampard replaced Michael Owen late on and could figure from the start at the Luzhniki Stadium as McClaren toys with the idea of a 4-3-3 formation to stifle Hiddink's men.

England look almost certain to be without left back Ashley Cole who suffered an ankle injury.

Nicky Shorey, Phil Neville or Joleon Lescott are likely to deputise.

Skipper John Terry continues to improve and his fitness will be assessed on Monday morning before England head to the Thomas Holford Catholic College in Altrincham for their first experience of the 'field turf' on which this week's game will be played.

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