BobbyK

McClaren's forehead and eyes turned upside down look like some sort of LotR character.

retired_bec8643

4pm kick off on a week day ffs.

retired_tripaige

damn those time zones!

elisabeth

Threads a bit early tbf....

Going to the Estonia game though, nice to see a win at Wembley after the Germany game.

Win and a draw for me :thup:

retired_Fit

First i heard of the 4pm, BBC Sport dont even have a kick off time. 4pm is 7pm for me, which is perfect for start time, thanks

retired_Fit

I'd take a win and a draw. Russia obviously a different proposition at their place, i'd expect them to attack alot more for sure. We certainly have enough to avoid defeat imo.

If we play half way decent i think we should get a point. I can see us scoring

retired_Fit

Bystrov out for Russia

Saw this last week, one of their starting midfielders and decent winger, pretty quick too IIRC

mattsaunders

McClaren set to put Owen in squad

England boss Steve McClaren is set to name Michael Owen in his Euro 2008 qualifying squad, despite the striker being sidelined because of an injury.

Newcastle's Owen, 27, has had stomach surgery but may be fit to face Estonia on 13 October and Russia on 17 October.

McClaren names his squad on Friday and forward Dean Ashton is set to replace Emile Heskey, who has broken a foot.

But midfielders Michael Carrick, David Beckham and Owen Hargreaves are out, while Shaun Wright-Phillips is a doubt.

Wright-Phillips is struggling with a knee injury that kept him out of the Chelsea's win over Valencia in midweek.

The winger formed a promising partnership on England's right flank with full-back Micah Richards when England beat Israel and Russia last month to breathe new life into their qualification campaign.

Owen scored three goals in those matches and his fitness will be the key to McClaren's plans ahead of hosting Estonia and a tough trip to Russia.

If he fails to recover in time, McClaren does have Wayne Rooney back following a lay-off with a broken bone in his foot and Peter Crouch is also available after suspension.

England captain John Terry underwent cheekbone surgery last week but the centre-back appears to be fit to lead out his nation after playing with a mask for Chelsea against Valencia.

McClaren's side are second in qualifying Group E - two points ahead of Russia.

"We are doing everything possible to make sure we qualify," said McClaren.

"It is the number one priority for us and we are back in pole position.

"We have three games left and it is down to us to do the job."

McClaren was without Frank Lampard for the last round of internationals and the Chelsea midfielder is again expected to be absent as he continues his recovery from a thigh strain.

Aston Villa's Gareth Barry could again partner Steven Gerrard in midfield after his impressive performances against Israel and Russia.

But, with problems in midfield, McClaren may call-up Jermaine Jenas, Scott Parker and Aaron Lennon.

Central defenders Jonathan Woodgate and Sol Campbell are also likely to be included to bolster the defence after returning from injury.

mattsaunders

ooh yeah, and KO is definitely 7pm local time

mattsaunders

so 4pm here