Russia v England preview

Make or break time for group rivals

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 17th October 2007

McClaren Steve

McClaren: Confident

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SKY BET ODDS: Russia 2/1, Draw 15/8, England 5/4

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Steve McClaren has picked Everton defender Joleon Lescott as England bid to clinch a place in the finals of Euro 2008 against Russia, a game which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 from 3.30 pm.

McClaren has steered England to five consecutive 3-0 successes in qualifying Group E and another maximum point haul in Moscow would see supporters begin the search for accommodation in Austria and Switzerland next summer.

Lescott comes in for the injured Ashley Cole on the left side of defence while Sol Campbell plays alongside Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the back four. Micah Richards is at right-back.

As expected there's no place in the starting line-up for Frank Lampard with McClaren keeping faith with Gareth Barry alongside stand-in skipper Steven Gerrard in central midfield.

Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole are on the flanks with Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney up front. Paul Robinson retains his place in goal.

Desperate

Russia, though, are in desperate need of the points as they bid to keep their own qualification hopes alive and they are unlikely to roll over in the style of their 3-0 defeat in September's Wembley meeting between the two sides.

Much has been made of the Luzhniki Stadium's plastic pitch which will host the crucial clash, but McClaren remains his confident self and is focused on his team.

Meanwhile, Russia manager Guus Hiddink is determined to secure the three points for his side.

Hiddink recently agreed a new contract to keep him in control of the Russian reins until the 2010 World Cup, but the Dutchman knows anything less than a win would provide him with an uphill task in securing a finals appearance before that tournament.

Russia will be missing first choice winger Vladimir Bystrov and fellow midfielder Ivan Saenko, but they have no other major concerns as they plot a frosty reception for England.

England team: Robinson, Richards, Lescott, Ferdinand, Campbell, Wright-Phillips, Gerrard, Barry, J Cole, Rooney, Owen. Subs: James, Shorey, L Young, Lampard, P Neville, Downing, Crouch.