England beaten on Moscow plastic

Updated 22.19 Wed Oct 17 2007

Keywords: Russia, Steve McClaren, Joleon Lescott, John Terry, Euro 2008, Sol Campbell, Wayne Rooney, England, sport, football

England's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008 no longer rest in their own hands after Steve McClaren's men suffered a 2-1 defeat in Russia.

They looked to have one foot in the finals after Wayne Rooney broke the deadlock at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow with his fourth goal in as many games for club and country.

England must beat Croatia and hope Russia slip up against Israel or Andorra

But after misses from stand-in skipper Steven Gerrard and Micah Richards in the second half, two goals from substitute Roman Pavlychenko in the space of four minutes saw Russia turn the game and the group on its head.

England must now rely on Guus Hiddink's men slipping up in their final Group qualifiers in Israel and Andorra next month as well as beating Croatia if they are to get back in the race to reach next summer's European Championship finals.

The pressure is sure to be growing on McClaren, who is determined for England to focus on the task of beating Croatia in their final Group E clash at Wembley on November 21.