Owen double gives England vital win

By Mike Collett

LONDON (Reuters) - Michael Owen scored two outstanding first-half goals to spearhead England to a 3-0 win over Russia at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday and take them closer to a place in next year's European championship finals.

England followed up their 3-0 demolition of Israel at Wembley on Saturday with an even better performance against far tougher and technically superior opposition to move into second place in Group E.

Croatia, who beat Andorra 6-0 on Wednesday, are top with 23 points, followed by England on 20 with Russia, who lost for the first time in Euro 2008 qualifying, third on 18 points.

Owen opened the scoring after seven minutes with a close-range right-foot curling shot from seven metres and made it 2-0 after 31 minutes with a blistering volley for his 40th England goal. Russia had a goal disallowed for handball in the first half.

Defender Rio Ferdinand wrapped up the points with a well-struck shot in the 84th minute after being set up by Owen.

England's victory means that if they beat Estonia as expected at Wembley on October13, draws in Russia and at home to Croatia in their final two games will guarantee they qualify for the finals in Austria and Switzerland next year.

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The outcome was crucial for both teams as Russia came to Wembley in second place, unbeaten after eight matches and having conceded only one goal under Dutch coach Guus Hiddink.