Beckham inspires vital England win

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TALLINN, Estonia -- David Beckham set up two goals to steer England to a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Estonia on Wednesday that put their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign firmly back on track.

Winger Joe Cole gave Steve McClaren's side a 37th-minute lead with a crisp half-volley before Beckham set up Peter Crouch for the second in the 54th minute and then lined up Michael Owen for the third in the 62nd.

It made for a memorable competitive return for Beckham, recalled to the squad last week after being discarded by McClaren after last year's World Cup.

He made a promising comeback in last week's 1-1 friendly draw with Brazil at Wembley and fully justified his 96th cap for his country in the Group E clash.

It was also a night to cherish for Owen, who is still looking for full match fitness after a long-term knee injury suffered at last year's World Cup and scored his first England goal since a friendly win over Jamaica in June 2006.

McClaren was also relieved at the night's work, having been a target for critics after a defeat by Croatia, draws with Macedonia and Israel, and a labored 3-0 win over Andorra.

The victory takes England to 14 points from seven games, one point behind Russia, who drew 0-0 in Croatia.

Israel, 2-0 winners in Andorra, have 17 from eight with Croatia top on 17, also from seven matches.

"We looked a team tonight," McClaren told Sky Sports TV.

"Estonia showed great spirit but we competed, we won challenges and we knew they would tire and the gaps would open.

"We got that first goal and got our rewards in the second.

"I think we've gained a lot in the last two-and-half weeks we've been together and I think Friday (against Brazil) gave us the confidence and belief."

On the performance of Beckham, who went off in the second half for treatment on a twisted ankle, he said: "David Beckham knows when to come in and stay wide and his delivery is second to none.

"His performance on the field answers everyone."

England, buoyed by the Brazil game and making the most of Crouch's height, soon had Estonia on the back foot but had to wait until the 37th minute to break down the dogged hosts.

Wayne Bridge's long throw was nodded on by Crouch and Cole was able to chest the ball down before swivelling to beat keeper Mart Poom with a smart half-volley.

Beckham then killed the game with two superb crosses after the re-start, sending the first into the area from deep and allowing Crouch to cleverly head past Poom on the bounce for his 12 goal in 19 internationals.

Owen flicked home the second at the far post to seal a deserved win, though Estonia nearly snatched a consolation goal in stoppage time.

Substitute Tarmo Kink beat Paul Robinson with a low shot but England captain John Terry was there to clear off the line to leave them without a goal after their seventh straight defeat in the group.

Croatia extend run

Croatia stretched their unbeaten home run to 32 competitive matches and stayed on course to reach the Euro 2008 finals after a 0-0 draw with Russia in their Group E qualifier.

They had the Russians on the back foot for long spells and created more openings up front but resolute defending from the visiting side denied them a win.

After a dour first half, Croatia missed the best two chances in the space of a minute near the hour when Eduardo da Silva's shot into an empty net was charged down and Josip Simunic's looping header came off the crossbar.

The home side pressed on in the closing stages and Russia's goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeyev did well to keep out in two attempts a fierce shot from substitute Mladen Petric.

Israel kept up the pressure with a 2-0 away win over minnows Andorra in atrocious conditions.

Constant rain during the day soaked the pitch and almost cancelled out Israel's clear technical advantage as passing and ball control became impossible in the numerous puddles scattered around the small ground.

Israel scored a goal either side of halftime, both from headers, to secure the points and set up a much-anticipated clash against England in their next qualifier at Wembley on September 8.

Conditions contributed greatly to Israel's first goal in the 38th minute when Andorra goalkeeper Koldo ran out to collect the ball but missed it as it stopped dead in a puddle.

That allowed Roberto Colautti to pounce on the ball, run to the byline and cross from the left for Toto Tamuz to storm in and head home from close range.

Colautti scored the second in the 53rd minute when Barak Yitzhaki crossed from the right as the Argentine-born striker dived low to head in.

Israel's defense saw off any potential threat and goalkeeper Dudu Aouate was not even tested by an Andorra penalty in the 81st minute when substitute Juli Sanchez shot low and wide of the target.

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