England win at last

The pressure on England and Steve McClaren was eased considerably following England’s first win at the new Wembley, an emphatic 3-0 victory over Israel.

McClaren had been widely criticised for England’s recent form and also for some of his selections. On the eve of this match there was a collective gasp among the football public that McClaren had recalled Wigan Athletic striker Emile Heskey. Even Heskey himself expressed his own surprise at the recall. However, McClaren knew that with Peter Crouch unavailable due to suspension, a big player was required to play up front alongside Michael Owen. Owen most certainly knew how to play alongside Heskey haven partnered him at Liverpool. What was clear was that if Heskey were to play, but England were to only draw, or worst still lose, McClaren’s head would be a on a platter.

Alarm bells could have rung early on when Heskey blasted an easy chance over the bar, but it did not harm the striker’s confidence. The England crowd felt somewhat jittery to begin with, but it soon became very clear that Israel were there for the taking. When Shaun Wright Phillips gave England the lead in the 20th minute, it was thoroughly deserved. Good work by Wright Phillips’ Chelsea colleague Joe Cole led to a neat cross that was hooked in with relative ease. On first glance Wright Phillips looked as though he may be slightly offside. However television replays showed that the Chelsea play was just on side.

England had further chances in the first half, the pick of them being from Michael Owen, who forced a decent save from Israeli goalkeeper Dudu Aquate. Joe Cole had laid the ball off to Owen who turned and blasted the shot straight at the out stretched keeper. The move once again followed good play from Emile Heskey. Heskey’s hold up play, neat touches and intelligent work was making McClaren’s selection look anything but a gamble. Heskey’s play was worthy of a man of the match award. Michael Owen was certainly profiting with chances. Although Owen had a decent chance on his left, but instead of shooting, he gave the ball to Ashley Cole on his left who could only give the ball to Aquate.

Four minutes into the second half, Owen scored England’s second to banish the missed chances and what is more it was an absolute peach of a goal. Receiving the ball from Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry, Owen flicked the ball up with his right foot and then swivelled and struck a thunderous shot into the top of the net. The goalkeeper was left grasping at thin air. It was one of the best goals that Owen has scored for England and it was the Newcastle United striker’s 38th goal for his country.

At 2-0 England looked more comfortable and controlled. Israel also appeared to be less threatening as the lead grew. Another player who was also catching the eye was Manchester City full back Micah Richards. Intelligent, unafraid running by the player in attacking positions was marking him out as a valuable player. With Gary Neville in the twilight if his international career, Richards looks a decent bet as his long-term successor. Richards has also eclipsed the Manchester United right back in terms of goals. Neville has never scored in 85 games for his country, but Richards in his sixth game for England powered in a header from a Gareth Barry corner in the 66th minute to seal England’s 3-0 win.

Steve McClaren must have felt tangible relief as a result of the win over Israel, describing the game as "a good win and a good performance." The work is only half done though. Russia at Wembley on Wednesday night will pose a bigger threat. If the likes of Owen, Heskey and Richards can keep the same form, England should be confident of a decent result. It won’t be easy, but the pressure won’t be as great as that in the build up to the Israel game.

By Stuart Croucher.