Gerrard: Stand and Deliver
Steven Gerrard has told his England team-mates it is "time to deliver" as they prepare for Wednesday night's make-or-break Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia.
Israel's win over Russia on Saturday means England need just a draw at Wembley to secure a place in next year's tournament - and Gerrard, captain in the absence of John Terry, admitted hanging on for a favour from the Israelis had been a distraction.
But he said: "It was a difficult weekend when it wasn't in our hands. But as soon as we knew we had a lifeline we were 100% focused on the Croatia game. Now it's time to deliver on the pitch."
There had been reports Terry would have recovered from a month-long absence with a knee injury in time to play against the Croatians.
But Gerrard confirmed the Chelsea defender - who joined in training on Tuesday morning - would not be fit, although he will be at Wembley to support the team.
"I've spoken to John and he tells us he's not ready but he'll still be there and be a big help to all the players," he said.
Terry returns to training
England were given a boost on Tuesday when captain John Terry returned to training.
The Chelsea defender, who has been out of action with a knee injury since October 16, joined in with his team-mates at London Colney as they prepared for the final Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday night.
Despite reports claiming Terry will face the Croatians, against whom England need just a point to qualify for the finals in Austria and Switzerland next summer, he is not expected to play.
Terry underwent knee surgery after England's 2-1 defeat to Russia in Moscow a month ago.
England must keep an eye on
With England's Euro 2008 hopes resting on tomorrow's final showdown with the already-qualified Croatia, PA Sport's Phil Barnett picks five players Steve McClaren must beware.
VEDRAN CORLUKA
Intelligent right-back with composure beyond his years. Signed by Sven-Goran Eriksson in the summer, he has made a smooth transition to life at Manchester City. England must hope Corluka endures a repeat of his nightmare against Chelsea earlier this season.
NIKO KOVAC
Ageing captain who remains an integral factor in the national team set-up. Coach Slaven Bilic's on-field lieutenant, the Red Bull Salzburg midfielder has a creative eye to compliment his industrious nature.
DARIJO SRNA
Hardened right-sided midfielder who has impressed at Shakhtar Donetsk since moving to Ukraine from Hadjuk Split. Capable of playing at full-back, the 25-year-old is already a 51-cap veteran with 15 goals.
NIKO KRANJCAR
Technically-sublime midfield playmaker and son of former Croatia coach Zlatko. Kranjcar took time to adjust to life in the Premier League but has performed well for Portsmouth this season and is at ease within Bilic's well-drilled, experienced team.
EDUARDO DA SILVA
Brazilian-born striker with a stellar goalscoring record of 13 goals in 20 games. The Arsenal striker trails only David Healy in the Euro 2008 qualifying scoring charts.
England v. Croatia: past meetings
England need just a point against Croatia on Wednesday to qualify for the Euro 2008 finals thanks to Israel's slender 2-1 win over Russia at the weekend.
Their visitors to Wembley have already qualified for European football's showpiece event in Austria and Switzerland next summer despite their surprise defeat to Macedonia on Saturday.
Here, PA Sport looks at the previous meetings between the two sides.
CROATIA 2 ENGLAND 0(October 11, 2006)
This sorry defeat at the hands of Slaven Bilic's side in Zagreb put a massive dent in England's chances of qualification towards the end of last year.
Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva, then of Dinamo Zagreb, put the hosts ahead just after the hour mark with a looping header which caught England goalkeeper Paul Robinson flat footed.
But there was worse to come for the Tottenham stopper just eight minutes later when he conceded a goal which he will remember for the rest of his career.
Gary Neville rolled a gentle pass back to Robinson but the ball flipped up off a divot and rolled over the 'keeper's foot and into an empty net.
ENGLAND 4 CROATIA 2(June 21, 2004)
This emphatic win for England at the European Championships in Portugal was the game when teenage sensation Wayne Rooney announced his arrival on the international stage.
Nico Kovac put the Croats ahead after just six minutes from close range before Paul Scholes scored his last goal in an England shirt to level after 40 minutes.
And on the stroke of half-time Rooney, then of Everton, lashed home from 25 yards to put Sven-Goran Eriksson's side ahead.
And the Liverpudlian added a thrilling second in the 68th minute after bursting from inside his own half to slot past Tomislav Butina.
Igor Tudor pulled one back for Croatia, but Frank Lampard settled any nerves for England with a fourth 11 minutes from full-time.
ENGLAND 3 CROATIA 1(August 20, 2003)
This friendly at Ipswich's Portman Road was remembered for a stunning goal from Chelsea midfielder Lampard.
David Beckham had put the hosts ahead in the 10th minute from the penalty spot before Michael Owen doubled their advantage six minutes after half-time.
Ivica Mornar pulled one back for Croatia after 77 minutes, but Lampard netted his first international goal with a rising drive from 30 yards which arrowed into the top corner of Butina's goal.
