Russia vs England

That fixture is coming up this week. After a really bad start, and a streak of 3-0 wins, one more win will ensure England's qualifications in the Euro 2008 tournament.

The reverse fixture might be won 3-0 in Wembley but going to Russia to play against a Gus Hiddink Russian side is something else. Furthermore it is going to be played on a plastic ground. This plastic ground is similar to the turf surface that some futsal courts offer. I've played on it before, and personally I think its slippery and little bits of black plastics do get into your shoes and annoy the hell out of you. I heard the Russians are going to wet the field as well, and with the freezing weather, it is going to be hard to ignore the fact that the field is something totally different from what most are used to. And I'm not even talking about ball dynamics.

The English team will be without Ashley Cole after picking up an injury in the previous match while John Terry said to return. The six forward starters should be starting once again.

I do feel England's 3-0 streak will end. They will still be favourites to win this one. My predictions, 2-1 to England. Fair result, and no one bullies or praises McClaren. Wins like these are taken for granted by the press.