How to beat Croatia

It's better to be a lucky manager than a good manager, so the saying goes, and Steve McClaren was surely a man counting his blessings last Saturday.

McClaren has a lot to consider ahead of Wednesday's qualifier

Israel's 2-1 win over Russia ensured England's dream of gracing Austria and Switzerland was alive and well again.

And it also means McClaren has one more chance to prove his credentials as a national coach who can inspire his players and tactically out-manoeuvre opposition managers.

England need only draw at home against Croatia now to secure their passage to Euro 2008 and, in doing so, cement McClaren's place as national coach at least until next summer.
Source. Bbc.