England Fail Moscow Mission

England fail Moscow Mission

England’s hopes of qualifying for next summer’s European Championships are in tatters following a 2-1 defeat to Russia in a crucial Group E qualifier.
Wayne Rooney’s stunning first-half volley following a flick-on by Michael Owen of all people, possibly worked against the visitors; England sat back after taking the lead and were ultimately unable to soak up the pressure which the Russian’s created in the second-half. And in four minutes of madness, the game changed. England seemed to be cruising before Rooney, who found himself at left-back, hauled down Zurianov. The initial contact appeared to be outside the box, but the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and equally Pavluchenko had no hesitation in slamming home the penalty on 69 minutes. Only four minutes later, England found themselves behind. Unable to clear their lines, Berezutsky was allowed to shoot, and as has been the case in recent weeks, Robinson was unable to hold the shot, parrying to Pavluchenko who duly applied the finish.
Substitute Pavluchenko’s brace will have delighted Gus Hiddink, in a week where much had been made of both side’s tactics prior to kick-off. It is of course easy with hindsight, but McClaren missed a trick here tonight. Much was made of the nature of the pitch, when more should have been made of its size. Small and especially narrow, England were unable to use their wide men; Joe Cole, so outstanding of late in an England shirt, was crucially denied service.
Defensively, England replied heavily on Campbell and Ferdinand, who were to their credit, solid throughout. A serious point of concern was the performance of Joleon Lescott, who looked unnatural and out of his depth at left back, the fact that he was playing out of position (he is more of a centre-half) spares him further criticism.
Much was made of McClaren’s decision to once again banish Frank Lampard to the bench, but the England manager might have been advised to introduce the Chelsea man earlier to sure up a midfield made uncertain by an unconvincing performance by Steven Gerrard, who missed a guilt-edged chance to make it 2-0 early in the second-half.
Nonetheless, England have let their fate slip out of their own hands. All of England will now show their allegiance to Israel, as England now need Russia to slip up in next month’s clash against the Israeli’s. Even if that result goes England’s way, they will then need to beat Croatia at Wembley in their final group game. England now face the distinct possibility of missing out on a major Championship’s for the first time since USA 1994. Steve McClaren, already under immense pressure, will be watching his back. Buoyed by the success of the Rugby team, a nation expected, but McClaren’s men failed to deliver.