Steve McClaren's job was ... and still is ... on the line. But a dramatic finish and the Israelis found the winning goal that gives us that lifeline.There IS A God - England's Dreams Live On!
Steve McClaren's job was ... and still is ... on the line. But a dramatic finish and the Israelis found the winning goal that gives us that lifeline.Israel had taken a 10th minute lead when Elyaniv Barda latched onto Barak Itzhaki's pass through the centre and beat the goalkeeper with a cool strike with the outside of his right foot.
Russia put England's hopes back in the balance again when Diniyar Bilyaletdinov fired in an equaliser on the hour mark and the visitors looked hot favourites to go on and get a winning goal.
There was a huge scare in the final minute when substitute Dmitri Sychev burst into the box and struck a shot against the outside of the post. And THAT was the moment an England fan turned to me and said: "our name is on the cup ... we will get to Euro 2008 ... and win it!"
To put that into perspective, Israel sneaked an unlikely injury-time winner as second-half sub Omer Golan ran onto a loose ball and beat goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov.
A draw would have left England needing to beat Croatia, Israel's late winner gave them a "get out of jail card".
Now McClaren's men need only avoid defeat on Wednesday to reach next summer's finals and they will up against a team which has already qualified.