Estonia 0-3 England
David Beckham inspired England to a comfortable Euro 2008 qualifier
win against Estonia in Tallinn to ease the pressure on coach Steve
McClaren. Joe Cole broke the deadlock after 36 minutes, turning
sweetly to volley home Peter Crouch's flick. Crouch doubled
England's lead eight minutes after the break when he headed home a
superb Beckham cross.
Beckham then provided a far post cross for Michael Owen to add
England's third after 61 minutes. It was a professional display
from England that sets them up for the crucial qualifying tests
against Croatia and Russia. And as well as Beckham confirming his
return to the international stage before limping off with an ankle
injury, Owen will also be delighted to be back on target for
England after his lengthy absence with a serious knee injury.
England, as expected, recalled Crouch up front alongside Owen, and
he had a hand in the goal that finally broke the deadlock.
McClaren's side had been made to work hard for their advantage
against a resilient, but desperately limited, Estonia side. Crouch
side-footed only inches wide from the edge of the area as England
dominated possession without making an early breakthrough.
Beckham was a major source of danger, despite struggling after
twisting an ankle early on, sending a dipping shot just wide. He
also created confusion in the Estonia area in the 28th minute,
keeper Mart Poom palming out his free-kick to Owen, but the striker
was unable to turn home the rebound. England were finally ahead
nine minutes before the interval, when Cole turned and scored
brilliantly after Crouch flicked on Wayne Bridge's throw-in.
But Estonia were almost gifted an equaliser on the stroke of
half-time when Vladimir Voskoboinikov was only denied by Paul
Robinson's brave block after evading Ledley King and John Terry.
England, however, finished off Estonia with a double strike after
the break, with Beckham the creator on both occasions. After 53
minutes he curled in a superb right-flank cross which Crouch headed
beyond Poom. And eight minutes later he set up Owen for a far post
finish that gave the Newcastle striker a record 23rd competitive
goal for his country.
Beckham left the field to an ovation from England's fans after 67
minutes, still nursing an ankle injury, to be replaced by Kieron
Dyer. The only other downside on England's night was a late booking
for Crouch which rules him out of the qualifier with Israel at
Wembley in September. Estonia almost claimed their first goal of
the qualifying campaign in injury time, but captain John Terry
cleared off the line from Tarmo Kink.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estonia: Poom, Jaager, Stepanov, Kruglov, Klavan, Dmitrijev,
Lindpere, Vassiljev, Konsa (Neemelo 46), Voskoboinikov, Terehhov
(Kink 64).
Subs Not Used: Kotenko, Barengrub, Rooba, Leetma, Kams.
England: Robinson, Brown, Terry, King, Bridge, Beckham (Dyer 68 ),
Gerrard, Lampard, Cole (Downing 75), Crouch, Owen (Jenas 88
).
Subs Not Used: Carson, Carragher, Smith, Defoe.
Booked: Crouch.
Goals: Cole 37, Crouch 54, Owen 62.
Att: 11,000
Ref: Grzegorz Gilewski (Poland).
P W D L Pts
Croatia 7 5 2 0 ................ 17
Israel 8 5 2 1 .................. 17
Russia 7 4 3 0 ................. 15
England 7 4 2 1 ............... 14
Macedonia 7 2 1 4 ............. 7
Estonia 7 0 0 7 ................. 0
Andorra 7 0 0 7 ................ 0
