England score morale-boosting win over Israel

LONDON, Sep 8 (Reuters) England scored a morale-boosting 3-0 victory over Israel at Wembley Stadium today to improve their chances of qualifying for Euro 2008.

Goals by Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Owen, with an outstanding 38th goal in his 84th international, and a header from Micah Richards -- his first for England -- moved Steve McClaren's side up from fourth to third in Group E.

Though missing injured players such as Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, David Beckham and Owen Hargreaves, England dominated as they recorded their first win at the newly re-built stadium after drawing with Brazil and losing to Germany in friendlies.

Israel, fourth in the group, did not have a goal attempt until an off-target shot by Yuval Shpungin after 74 minutes.

On this evidence, though they have 17 points, the same as England, their hopes of advancing to the finals are remote, especially if England beat Russia at Wembley on Wednesday.

Russia are top on 18 points from eight games, ahead of Croatia, who have 17 points and who were playing Estonia later.

McClaren told BBC TV: ''That was a good performance, a good win, a good result and we have to follow that on Wednesday.

''I'm just pleased about the performance, the feeling inside the dressing room now. We played as a team everybody contributed and we're looking forward to Wednesday.'' England's victory could have been even greater as they had eight attempts on target and Owen was denied a second goal in the dying moments with an attempt saved on the line after rounding the keeper.

NO SHOTS England, with Steven Gerrard playing despite a broken toe and Wright-Phillips working tirelessly, dominated in midfield and attack. Keeper Paul Robinson did not have a shot to save.

Israel's only real move of note came after 12 minutes and involved Israel skipper Yossi Benayoun but it fizzled out as Barak Itzhaki was ruled offside.

England should have taken the lead a minute earlier when the impressive, hard-working Emile Heskey, recalled to the side for the first time in three years because of the injury crisis, blasted over Dudu Aouate's bar after 10 minutes.

He had another good chance six minutes later, heading wide, but was given a standing ovation when he was substituted near the end.

England made the breakthrough after 20 minutes.

Gerrard's cross was perfectly weighted to Wright-Phillips, who timed his run to perfection, beat the offside trap and volleyed past Aouate for his first goal for England since a debut goal in a friendly against Ukraine three years ago.

Owen made it 2-0 with a superb goal that he lashed in on the half-volley 20 metres out in the 49th minute while the unmarked Richards powerfully headed in a corner after 66 minutes.

REUTERS TB RN0046