England cruise past Israel

England sealed a comfortable 3-0 win over Israel in their Euro 2008 Group E qualifier at Wembley.

Wright-Phillips, Owen and Richards seal victory

England sealed a comfortable 3-0 win over Israel in their Euro 2008 Group E qualifier at Wembley. Steve McClaren's side were rarely troubled by the visitors and the result was never in doubt once Shaun Wright-Phillips had met Joe Cole's cross to put England ahead of 20 minutes. The second came just after the break and it was spectacular strike from Michael Owen as he fired home a half-volley from the edge of the box. The win was sealed by Micah Richards, who claimed his first goal for his country just after the hour when he rose unmarked to head home.

First-half lead

Having seen his team perform so well in the opening 45 minutes and watched his gamble in selecting Emile Heskey pay off handsomely, it must have been slightly frustrating for McClaren that the interval advantage was a single goal. Heskey was one of the obvious culprits, blazing an early opportunity over before nodding Steven Gerrard's far-post corner wide. Yet criticism of the Wigan man would be harsh in the extreme. His sheer physical presence was enough to unnerve an Israel defence which, occupied by trying to keep his mountainous frame at bay, opened up like a paper bag for England's nippier attacking talents. Owen would have profited had he not crashed a volley straight into the face of Israeli keeper Dudu Aouate, who also saved well from impressive full-back Richards and Ashley Cole. At the other end, Paul Robinson was a virtual spectator, given no chance at all to prove McClaren made the correct decision to stick with him. Yet, for all the hosts' dominance, all they had to show for their efforts was Wright-Phillips's wonderfully crafted effort.

Opener

Joe Cole was the architect as he won possession close to the Israel box. He then stepped onto his favoured right foot before picking out Wright-Phillips with a superb angled ball which dropped beyond the visitors defence. Wright-Phillips's finish was executed to perfection and though Israel were convinced the Chelsea man was offside, but TV replays proved he had timed his run just right. At half-time McClaren would surely have called for his team to kill the game off quickly. If so, the response was immediate as Owen proved 18 months of injury hell have done nothing to dim his predatory powers.

Owen classic

Gareth Barry, another effective performer after being handed the midfield spot Owen Hargreaves's thigh injury prevented him from occupying, created the opportunity with a rolled pass into Owen's feet. Stood on the edge of the box with his back to goal, Owen still had plenty to do. Yet, with an inspired first touch, the Newcastle forward gave himself the chance to turn as he flcked the ball up before smashing his 38th England goal into the top corner. The third came through Richards as the Manchester City teenager rose to power home Barry's corner and seal the three points.

England	Team Statistics	Israel
3	Goals	0
1	1st Half Goals	0
9	Shots on Target	0
8	Shots off Target	1
0	Blocked Shots	0
6	Corners	0
19	Fouls	13
3	Offsides	4
1	Yellow Cards	4
0	Red Cards	0
83.1	Passing Success	75.9
30	Tackles	13
63.3	Tackles Success	46.2
57.4	Possession	42.6
56.7	Territorial Advantage	43.3