[Mighty T.A.L.]

England can clinch a place in the finals of Euro 2008 if they secure three points against Russia on Wednesday, in a game which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 from 3.30 pm.

Manager Steve McClaren has steered England to five consecutive 3-0 successes in qualifying Group E and another maximum point haul against Russia in Moscow would see supporters begin the search for affordable accommodation in Austria and Switzerland next summer.

Russia, though, are in desperate need of the points as they bid to keep their own qualification hopes alive and they are unlikely to roll over in the style of their 3-0 defeat in September's Wembley meeting between the two sides.

Much has been made of the Luzhniki Stadium's plastic pitch which will host the crucial clash, but McClaren remains his confident self and is focused on his team.

Positive

McClaren persistently pushes positive thinking, but he will have been rocked by the likely injury enforced absence of his captain John Terry and he will definitely be without Ashley Cole.

Terry had been passed fit to play against Russia, having missed the Estonia game, but the defender's troublesome knee locked in training on Tuesday and he is rated as a major doubt with Sol Campbell again ready to deputise.

Cole damaged his ankle against Estonia following a defensive mix up with Joleon Lescott, who could be in line to replace the absent Chelsea full-back.

Lescott, who played out the majority of the second-half against Estonia at left-back following Cole's early exit, could be in line to start his first game for his country but McClaren must decide between the Everton defender, his experienced club colleague Phil Neville or Reading's Nicky Shorey.

Formidable

Frank Lampard is expected to be forced to settle for a place on the bench once again as Steven Gerrard and Gareth Barry continue to form a formidable central midfield partnership, while Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney should maintain an attacking spearhead.

Meanwhile, Russia manager Guus Hiddink is determined to secure the three points for his side.

Hiddink recently agreed a new contract to keep him in control of the Russian reins until the 2010 World Cup, but the Dutchman knows anything less than a win would provide him with an uphill task in securing a finals appearance before that tournament.

Russia will be missing first choice winger Vladimir Bystrov and fellow midfielder Ivan Saenko, but they have no other major concerns as they plot a frosty reception for England.

Source: Skysports