Can England win the crunch match to send them to the Euro finals?

English fans' let out a collective sigh of relief as Israel handed them their destiny back, but will they take it? They take on group leaders Croatia, already assured of going through to the Euro tournament in Switzerland/Austria, who are just taking it easy, no greater example than their defeat at the hands of Macedonia

After the Russian debacle, the English players wanted nothing more than to revisit the moment and prove themselves after falling short. They have no greater chance to show a disenchanted nation that they deserve to don the coveted English shirt, than in this crucial encounter at Wembley Stadium. They have injury worries again, with first choice centre-halves John Terry and Rio Ferdinand injured, along with the sensational Wayne Rooney. His injury-plagued year continues with another stint of four weeks on the sidelines, where Michael Owen will join him. With these stars missing England will be hard pressed to find the strike power or strength at the back to contain Croatia. Micah Richards will most likely come in to the CB role, either sharing with Jolean Lescott or Sol Campbell. The forward pairing will most likely be held by the lanky Peter Crouch and the skillful Jermaine Defoe.

Steve McClaren is coaching for his career in this game, as his short-comings have been laid out before the world and only the redemption of a Euro qualification can keep the lions at bay for any period of time.

Croatia issued a warning to the English camp via the pen of Portsmouth midfielder Niko Kranjcar, in that they should not be taking this opportunity as a formality to qualify for Euro 2008. The Croats will be viewing this as a full on warfare and an opportunity to press for selection for the prestigious tournament. But while they say one thing, a lackluster performance on the pitch against minnows Macedonia in the form of a two goal defeat, leaves the image of a team experimenting and resting players.

Croatia has the necessary hit man to do a job on the beleaguered English defence, in Arsenal centre forward Eduardo Da Silva who has netted ten times in his countries successful qualification campaign, and his teammate Mladen Petrić who has scored six times for the Croatians.

However, England has too much on the line to lose. They have recovered from their fiasco that was Russia and are fully primed to avenge that loss, whereas Croatia has already qualified for the tournament. The English are famous for blowing the greatest opportunities, but with many coming under the spotlight of the media, they need the win to keep the press off their backs for the majority of their seasons.

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