England Beats Estonia 3-0 in UEFA Euro 2008

The England national football team cruised to an easy 3-0 victory against Estonia to the delight of a full-capactiy crowd in the New Wembley Stadium in London, England.

In the 11th minute, England midfielder Shaun-Wright Phillips put England 1-0 up against Estonia when he drilled a shot between the legs of Estonia's keeper Mart Poom. In the 32nd minute, England striker Wayne Rooney of English Premier League champions Manchester United made it 2-0, grabbing his first international goal in eleven months. One minute after that, Ashley Cole sent in a deep cross that was headed by Estonia defender Taavi Rahn into his own net. Rahn's own goal gave the English home side a 3-0 advantage, which they maintained throughout the match.

It was the 5th successive 3-0 victory of England, who collected 3 points for the win against Estonia to improve their standings in Group E of the UEFA Euro 2008 to 2nd place with 23 points. Croatia leads Group E with 26 points, collecting 3 more points following a 10 home victory against Israel. Russia are in 3rd place in Group E with 18 points, and must perform well in their last 3 matches. Russia will go up against England on October 17, against Israel on November 17 and against Andorra on November 21. Russia must win against England if they still hope to make it to the Euro 2008 Finals. Otherwise, a win by England will certainly stretch their lead over 3rd place Russia.

The last time England met Russia was just last September 2007 when Russia were visitors at the New Wembley Stadium. England defeated the Russian side 3-0. Russia will be looking to capitalize on their home pitch advantage when England visit them on October 17. Russian soccer stars hoping to provide that much needed spark include Aleksandr Kerzhakov of Spanish Super Cup and UEFA Cup champions Sevilla FC.

England, of course, has an impressive lineup that includes Steven Gerrard of Liverpool, Frank Lampard of Chelsea and Michael Owen of Newcastle United. However, England will not have the services of Ashley Cole, who suffered a serious ankle injury in the match against Estonia.

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