Out of the traps
Saturday, 13 October, 2007
Steve McClaren was pleased with his side's first half display in the 3-0 win against Estonia.
England 3-0 Estonia
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
3pm, Saturday 13 October 2007
Wembley Stadium
England Head Coach Steve McClaren admitted he was delighted with his side’s first half display against Estonia, as three goals in the opening 45 minutes proved enough to seal a fifth successive 3-0 victory for the Three Lions.
Strikes from Shaun Wright-Phillips and Wayne Rooney along with an own goal from Estonia defender Taavi Rähn put England in control at the break and set them on their way to a comprehensive win to move level on points with Group E leaders Croatia.
McClaren had spoken ahead of the game on how his team needed to focus on collecting three points against Estonia before turning their thoughts to the game with Russia on Wednesday and the tempo of his team from the first whistle was pleasing.
“I think it was a professional performance today,” said McClaren.
“We won the game in the first half. We set out perfectly in the opening 20 minutes and I was delighted with some individual performances.”
The game also featured Rooney’s first competitive goal for his country in three years and whilst McClaren was delighted to have the Manchester United forward available again after suspension, he was also happy to see his partnership with Michael Owen flourish.
He said: “I think Michael needed the game and the time on the pitch and it was important that he got that.
“Wayne had a point to prove and he did that with his goal and it was good to have him back.”
Goals
Wright-Phillips 11, Rooney 32, Rahn og 33