ENGLAND 3 - 0 Israel (Saturday's game)
ENGLAND 3 - 0 Russia (Tonight's game)
Last week England were in 4th position, 3 points behind Israel (with a game in hand) and 2 points behind Russia. As of now, England are in 2nd position, 2 points ahead of Russia and 3 points ahead of Israel. They've all played 9 games and we're just 3 points off Croatia. Just 3 more games to go, two at home against Croatia and Estonia, and then possibly the most important game away against Russia in five weeks time. Michael Owen has silenced all his critics with three goals in two games. Never mind the fact that he has played more games for the national team than the club he joined (Newcastle) a few years ago. We're on our way to Switzerland and Austria! And to think we did it amidst a spate of injuries. Perhaps that's just the blessing in disguise we needed for McLaren to forge a team that plays well together, and wasn't just made up of megastars. Or maybe I'm just cocky about the fact that Steven Gerrard has cemented the central midfielder spot that Fat Lampard feels he deserves. Either way, who cares? England's winning and that's all that matters.
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France 0 - 1 SCOTLANDCZECH REPUBLIC 1 - 0 Republic of IrelandICELAND 2 - 1 Northern IrelandSlovakia 2 - 5 WALESOne could easily argue that Scotland are playing in a much more difficult group than England, but not only are they keeping pace with World Cup finalists Italy and France and Quarterfinalists Ukraine, but after today's victory in Paris they now top the group, yes, top the group! Italy's victory in Kiev means they overtake France and put pressure on Les Bleues to step up the pace going into the final leg of the qualifiers. I'm so happy for Scotland. It's a pity the two Irelands lost today, particularly the southern one - they needed to defeat the Czech Republic to stay in the race but now their chances of qualification are all but over. Northern Ireland on the other hand are still in 2nd position, despite their 2-1 loss to second-from-bottom Iceland. They are also in a tough group with Spain, Sweden and Denmark but they are doing amazingly well, thanks to star striker David Healy. It would be brilliant if three of the four Home Nations qualified for the Euros next year. And even though Wales thrashed Slovakia 5-2 in Bratislava tonight, they won't qualify.