England still has a lot of work to do
John Terry practiced with England on Tuesday, but he’s very doubtful to play Wednesday.
England controls its own destiny entering Wednesday’s EURO 2008 qualifier against Croatia, but “there is still a lot of hard work to do,” midfielder Steven Gerrard said.
“People think that because we have got this new lifeline that we have already qualified,” Gerrard said.
England was on the brink of elimination a few days ago, but Israel’s stunning 2-1 upset of Russia on Saturday gave England new hope.
All England has to do Wednesday in its final qualifying match to secure a spot in the tournament is tie Croatia, which leads Group E and defeated England 2-0 last October.
“It will be a difficult game, but I’m convinced we will get the result we need,” England coach Steve McClaren said.
Although England lost the first meeting in qualifying against Croatia, it has home field advantage this time at Wembley Stadium.
“The atmosphere is going to be great and the boys are all looking forward to it and we’ll certainly be going for the win,” England forward Peter Crouch said.
England’s starting lineup is still a bit cloudy with striker Wayne Rooney and captain John Terry out with injuries. Terry actually practiced with England on Tuesday, but he’s still very doubtful to play.
McClaren called on Tottenham forward Darren Bent to join England, but Crouch is likely to play alone at forward.
“I’ve played enough games for England now to accept that responsibility,” said Crouch, who scored England’s only goal in a 1-0 friendly win over Austria on Friday.
David Beckham, who missed England’s previous four matches, set up the goal in the win. The former England captain could earn his 99th cap Wednesday, if he’s fit enough to play.
Beckham missed nearly two months after a late-August knee injury and only played in two friendlies for Los Angeles before his return to England’s national team.
But who starts for England isn’t nearly as important as the result.
“It’s a massive game. They don’t come bigger than this …,” England’s Joe Cole said.
Also on Saturday, Portugal and Finland play to determine the second qualifier from Group A, Turkey and Norway are still alive for the second spot in Group C, and Sweden and Northern Ireland are still alive for the second spot from Group F.
Ten teams - Croatia, Poland, Italy, France, Greece, Germany, Czech Republic, Spain, Romania and the Netherlands - have already clinched berths.
Co-hosts Austria and Switzerland received automatic berths in the 16-team field.
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