Owen double helps defeat Russians

LONDON, England -- Michael Owen became only the fourth player to score 40 goals for England as his double strike helps them defeat Russia 3-0 in their crucial Euro 2008 Group E qualifier at Wembley.

Owen converted Gareth Barry's center for the opening goal after seven minutes and then he volleyed home a flick on from Emile Heskey just past the half hour mark.

Rio Ferdinand added a third in the 84th minute and England's destiny is now back in their own hands after leapfrogging Russia into second spot in the group behind leaders Croatia.

However, Owen took all the plaudits as he joined Jimmy Greaves, Sir Bobby Charlton and Gary Lineker as the only players to score 40 times for the Three Lions.

Owen was on target in Saturday's convincing 3-0 victory over Israel -- and it did not take him long to carry on the goalscoring form, expertly finding the net from six meters out after being left unmarked from Barry's teasing right-wing cross.

Captain John Terry attracted two Russian defenders to the ball, leaving Newcastle striker Owen to control the ball with one touch, and rifle home with his second.

Russia goalkeeper Viacheslav Malafeev then pulled off an excellent save to turn away Joe Cole's deflected effort, immediately after Konstantin Zyryanov had a goal wrongly disallowed for handball for the visitors.

Owen added his and England's second in the 31st minute. Ferdinand's long ball forward was superbly flicked on by Heskey into Owen's path -- and his powerful shot arrowed into the top corner of Malafeev's net.

Dmitry Sychev twice went close for Russia after the break, but Ferdinand ended their miserable night by drilling home at the near post with six minutes remaining.

Croatia increased their advantage in Group E to three points after a 6-0 destructing of minnows Andorra, Mladan Petric scoring twice, while Macedonia and Estonia drew 1-1 in the other match. E-mail to a friend