McClaren sat shell-shocked in his dug-out as England looked to be throwing away the life-line handed to them by Israel after their win over Russia -- and they left the field at half-time to a chorus of boos.

CNN: Croatia crush England Euro dreams

There was an expectant atmosphere inside Wembley following the life-line thrown to England by Israel after their win over Russia on Saturday.

CNN: Croatia crush England Euro dreams

One of Hiddink's strengths is his willingness to make bold tactical changes as England found to their cost in a Euro 2008 qualifier when the Dutchman's introduction of Dmitry Torbinsky and Roman Pavlyuchenko changed the game, with the latter going on to score twice in Russia's 2-1 win over Steve McClaren's side.

BBC: Hiddink puts reputation on line

They hope that after Kofi Annan, the newly appointed UN and Arab League envoy to Syria, goes to Damascus on March 10th he will formulate a transition plan that can win Russia over.

ECONOMIST: Syria��s crisis

Miroslav Klose's strike gave Germany a 1-0 win over Russia and stretched their lead at the top of Group Four to four points with one round of matches left.

BBC: Italy seal World Cup finals berth

Serena powered to a 6-4 6-2 win over Australian Sam Stosur to book a meeting with Belarusian Victoria Azarenka, who recovered from a set down to beat Russia's Vera Zvonareva 4-6 6-4 6-0 in two hours and 28 minutes.

CNN: Tennis: Henin, Zheng into semis