Russia provide big betting test

Internationals / Editor / 21 July 2007 / Leave a Comment

Steve McClaren's England will have a clearer picture of what is required to reach next summer's finals once they have navigated their way past Israel - but the visit of Russia, who are one point ahead of the Three Lions, looms large on the horizon.

The Russians and Group E leaders Croatia remain strong in the betting as the only two unbeaten nations from their seven qualifying games to date, which has seen their odds shorten. They have a lethal weapon up their sleeve in Sevilla marksman Aleksandr Kerzhakov who will be a popular bet at non-prohibitive odds in the To Score betting.

The former FC Zenit St. Petersburg star landed many bets at long odds when he sent a hat-trick past Andorra in June as Russia routed the international minnows and is tied on four goals with England's Peter Crouch - two behind Croatia's Eduardo and Israel's Roberto Colautti.

Those looking to bet on Russia will note they have scored - and conceded - a goal less than England but arrive confident of derailing McClaren's hopes of leading the nation out at a major European competition (see Outright Winner betting).

The Russians came under heavy pressure from Croatia last time out but escaped the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb in June with a goalless draw and a vital point when the in-play betting shifted dramatically throughout the game.

McClaren admitted he was relieved Russia had not upset the odds against Croatia, so strong in the betting, adding England's destiny was in their own hands.

Those with bets on England will have won in four of the seven qualifying games but draws against Macedonia and Israel and a defeat to Croatia has left McClaren entering a pivotal phase in his tenure as the nation's odds to qualify lengthened.

Victories on the road against Estonia and Andorra on the back of a hard-fought draw in Israel have made up for a disappointing 2-0 defeat in Croatia last October and increased the odds of England qualifying from Group E and paying patriotic bets in the process.

A successful bet on England will surely mean McClaren has his senior stars fit and firing on all cylinders to face a team for the first time since May 1991 and the break-up of the former Soviet Union when England won 3-1 - a scoreline that paid big odds in the betting - with a goal from Alan Smith and brace from David Platt at the old Wembley.