Michael Owen left Russia reeling like a bear with a sore head last night, the England striker twice showing his magnificent predatory instincts to put Steve McClaren's men back on track to qualify for Euro 2008. The poacher also turned goal-maker, setting up Rio Ferdinand to really get the party started at Wembley.
When Owen came calling in the first half, Russia's centre-halves displayed all the woodenness of Babushka dolls. Poor in the air, slow on the ground, they were left utterly exposed when England's No 10 gained possession, and utterly distraught at his emphatic finishes.
High and mighty: Michael Owen shoots over Russia goalkeeper Viacheslav Malafeev to put England 2-0 up In typically clinical fashion, Owen lifted his international tally to 40 goals in 85 appearances, within sight of Jimmy Greaves' 44. Greaves would certainly have enjoyed Owen's nervelessness and accuracy in placing the ball past Russia's hapless goalkeeper, Viacheslav Malafeev.
If Russia's marking was non-existent, the visitors also paid for Guus Hiddink's cautious first-half tactics which invited England to attack, almost at will, with Gareth Barry again outstanding alongside Steven Gerrard. Barry rarely wasted the ball, and rallied the team when Russia hinted at a revival midway through both halves.
McClaren appears to have realised that partnerships work best, not a collection of individuals. Gerrard clearly enjoyed operating with Barry.
This has not been a good few days for Frank Lampard. Ditto Wayne Rooney, who returns to the fray shortly for Manchester United, but must prove he can form a proper England alliance with Owen.
Emile Heskey was terrific as the broadsword to Owen's rapier, making his accomplice's second with a powerful flick, and he deserves a continued run in the side. McClaren may have an unconvincing air in public, but no one can now question the belief coursing through his players. Suddenly, all the old doubts seem distant. England do boast some class acts, Gerrard and Owen in particular. A summer sojourn in the Alps looms into focus. If Croatia look certain to qualify for Euro 2008, particularly after hitting Andorra for six yesterday, England are now favourites to follow them to Austria and Switzerland.
England could have still done without the Wembley announcer crowing: "It's nearly time to book your tickets to Austria.'' As they departed, the Russians noted such arrogance and England's players will hope such hubris does not return to haunt them in a Moscow ambush on Oct 17.
Yet with three games remaining, England require only five points to guarantee qualification, provided one of them is collected before 100,000 screaming Moscovites. One thing is for sure: Hiddink will need to be far more adventurous on home plastic.
Hiddink had sprung a surprise here, omitting the sparkling talents of Alexander Kerzakov and Vladimir Bystrov for a more cautious approach, inviting England on to them. Owen and company accepted gleefully. England tore into the retreating Russians, Barry dominating central midfield, Heskey controlling the airwaves and Owen as sharp and hungry as a lion.
The feel-good mood began within seven minutes. Barry, relishing his chance here, curled the ball in at the second attempt, and Russia's centre-halves appeared fixated by John Terry. As red shirts crowded around England's captain, the ball fell to Owen, unmarked and dangerous 10 yards out. The ball seemed to stick slightly under his foot, but Owen dug it out and stroked it sweetly past Malafeev and in off a post. The legs may have slowed a fraction, but the awareness of where the goal is remains as sharp as ever.
England then had to negotiate some awkward moments. Danger lurked in this young side of Hiddink's, particularly when the ball was at the clever feet of Andrei Arshavin, who briefly began to impose his exceptional talent on proceedings. Suddenly, a few nerves spread through English ranks as the Zenit St Petersburg attacker began finding space. Only a great piece of covering by the alert Barry stopped one Arshavin break.
Moments later, Arshavin crossed and the ball fell to Konstantin Zyryanov, who turned brilliantly in the box and swept the ball past Paul Robinson. Russia celebrated wildly but the Swedish referee, Martin Hansson, cut their cheers dead, indicating handball by Zyryanov. Russia were livid, and replays indicated that the ball struck the midfielder's chest. Hiddink certainly believed it had and showed his anger, arguing with the fourth official.
Russia came again, almost equalising through Dmitry Sychev's header and then Arshavin's long-ranger, both of which Robinson saved. The Spurs goalkeeper, lifted by McClaren's show of faith, looked a far more assured presence last night.
great game pity scotland won how the fuck have they beat france twice? and now they are top of the leaugue
If i come across the table and take your f*****g eyes out ,will you remember
pity scotland won how the fuck have they beat france twice? and now they are top of the leaugue 
