At half-time in their crucial final Euro 2008 qualifier, England are currently 2-0 down to Croatia at in their final Euro 2008 qualifier in Group E match at Wembley on Wednesday.

Steve McClaren’s side need to avoid defeat to qualify for next summer’s finals in Austria and Switzerland, but the Three Lions looked the second-best side on display with the already-qualified Croatia holding the upper hand.

Russia meanwhile are leading in Andorra in another Group E qualifier 1-0 with Dmitri Sychev scoring in the 39th minute. If England lose, and Russia win then Guus Hiddink’s side will qualify for the finals.

After a largely midfield battle on a soaked pitch as rain pelted down, England fell behind in the 8th minute as Aston Villa keeper Scott Carson, who was making his competitive debut, made an hash of what should have been a regulation save from a low angular long-range shot by Portsmouth’s Niko Kranjcar.

At the other end, Pletikosa blocked off a close-range shot from Shaun Wright-Phillips as the Three Lions showed urgency. Micah Richards then made a promising run but could not get past the rival defence.

England were down 2-0 in the 14th minute as Arsenal striker Eduardo set up Ivica Bilic, who got past Carson and slotted the ball home from the six-yard box after breaking through an off-side trap.