England to Russ-h to victory

Things went swimmingly well for England on Saturday with Steve McLaren's bold selection reaping its just rewards against Israel and, while the Russians will prove significantly tougher proposition on Wednesday, another Wembley win can be expected. England have cast aside the disappointment of their friendly defeat against Germany with their third consecutive 3-0 victory in European qualifying Group E and in Gareth Barry have discovered a perfect partner for Steven Gerrard. Barry gave England something they have been lacking for years in midfield, and that is someone who can help them keep possession, move the ball around and carve open gaps in the opposition's defence. He may not be the fastest around, but pace is worthless if you don't have the ball and in a team full of runners England can afford the luxury of one quarterback. Against an obdurate, unbeaten Russian outfit, possession will be particularly important as Guus Hiddink specialises in exceedingly fit, well-organised players who work hard off the ball. It will take plenty of guile to break through the Russian rearguard but if England play with the same confidence with which they approached Israel on Saturday they will overcome the visitors. Russia are a point above England in the group because they have managed to hold Croatia to two draws already so we can expect a tight match, but their 3-0 success against Macedonia at the weekend flattered them. After taking an early lead their goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov was sent off when conceding a penalty with 20 minutes to go. Substitute keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev saved the resultant spot-kick, though, before the hosts scored two late goals to give the scoreline a deceptive impression. Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole were a handful on Saturday and while SWP may have earned the plaudits Cole is looking back to his best and will always be looking to cut inside and test Malafeev. Something to which first goalscorer punters would do well to pay heed. Verdict: 1pt England to win 1-0 @ 4/1; 0.5pt Joe Cole first goalscorer @ 8/1; 1pt H-T/F-T Draw/England @ 7/2 (SportingBet) (Editor's Note: Can England maintain their winning form or will Guus Hiddink's Russia prove one game too far. Follow all the latest prices on SportingBet!)