Loading...England 3-0 Israel: First Wembley win
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Steve McClaren's England finally flexed their muscles as they overwhelmed Israel to breathe fresh life into their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.
Shaun Wright-Phillips' first competitive goal for the Three Lions put them on the road to a convincing win before half-time, with Michael Owen and Micah Richards completing a one-sided triumph after the break.
Yet, it was not just the scoreline that afforded McClaren a satisfied smile at the final whistle, more the thrilling manner of victory.
Certainly all those who called for the England coach's head during a turbulent spring campaign which included a disappointing draw against these same opponents in Tel Aviv may now need to pause for thought, even if their opinions will not be changed completely until a place in next summer's Finals is assured.
It now appears a double-header with Russia, the first encounter of which takes place at Wembley on Wednesday, holds the key to a trip to Austria and Switzerland.
No side coached by Guus Hiddink can be taken lightly but in this mood, England must fancy their chances.
There were heroes all over the field. Richards again betraying his tender years with another mature performance which nudges him closer to ousting Gary Neville as McClaren's first-choice right-back.
Man of the match Wright-Phillips has emerged from the wilderness at Chelsea and is now regularly embarking on those dangerous mazy runs which persuaded Jose Mourinho to pay £21million for him. On the other flank, Joe Cole begged the question why Mourinho is ignoring him.
And then there was Emile Heskey, another media whipping boy, exiting to a standing ovation from an upbeat, enthusiastic and delighted crowd who have become so accustomed to jeering their team in recent times.
The change of atmosphere and mood - with the notable exception of a sustained negative reaction for debutant David Bentley, who snubbed England's Under-21 side this summer - are manna from heaven for McClaren, who wants to turn Wembley into a fortress and as he strode into the home dressing room to deliver his half-time verdict, he could have had only one complaint, namely, why was the game not wrapped up?
Having seen his team perform so well in the opening 45 minutes and watched his gamble in selecting Heskey pay off handsomely, it must have been slightly frustrating the interval advantage was a single goal.
Heskey was one of the obvious culprits, blazing an early opportunity over before nodding Steven Gerrard's far-post corner wide.
Yet criticism of the Wigan man would be harsh in the extreme.
Heskey may have his faults but it was obvious for all to see why McClaren wanted turned to him once Frank Lampard had been ruled out.
His sheer physical presence was enough to unnerve an Israel defence which, occupied by trying to keep his mountainous frame at bay, opened up like a paper bag for England's nippier attacking talents.
Owen would have profited had he not crashed a volley straight into the face of Israeli keeper Dudu Aouate, who also saved well from impressive full-back Richards and Ashley Cole.
At the other end, Paul Robinson was a virtual spectator, given no chance at all to prove McClaren made the correct decision to stick with him.
Yet, for all the hosts' dominance, all they had to show for their efforts was Wright-Phillips' wonderfully crafted effort.
Joe Cole was the architect, showing the tigerish quality normally associated with his captain John Terry, to win possession close to the Israel box.
He then stepped onto his favoured right foot before picking out Wright-Phillips with a superb angled ball which dropped beyond the visitors defence.
Wright-Phillips' finish was executed to perfection and though Israel were convinced the Chelsea man was offside, TV replays proved he had timed his run just right.
McClaren's half-time mantra must surely have been for his team to kill the game off quickly. If so, the response was immediate as Owen proved 18 months of injury hell have done nothing to dim his predatory powers.
Gareth Barry, another effective performer after being handed the midfield spot Owen Hargreaves' thigh injury prevented him from occupying, created the opportunity with rolled pass into Owen's feet.
Stood on the edge of the box with his back to goal, Owen still had plenty to do. Yet, with an inspired first touch, the Newcastle forward gave himself the chance to turn and smashed his 38th England goal into the top corner.
If Owen is accustomed to finding the net, the most notable goal of Richards' fledgling career prior to this evening came accompanied by a never-to-be-forgotten four-letter reaction on live TV.
The Manchester City teenager will surely get many chances to atone for that mistake judging by the way he rose to power home Gerrard's corner.
Source: Soccernet.com
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