Rejuvenated England look for point to seal finals berth

Just a point will be enough to clinch qualification from group E and seal their place in next summer's finals in Switzerland and Austria, a place that was in serious doubt until Saturday night.

 Manager Steve McClaren knows the job is not done yet but Israel's surprise victory over Russia on that night - thanks to a last-minute winner - has handed the team and the beleaguered manager a lifeline.

 Russia's defeat in Israel also means that Croatia have already qualified, which should make England's task easier, but McClaren is warning his players against complacency.

 "There are no excuses," he said.

 "We've got to make sure we qualify. Croatia have nothing to play for but are a very good side and capable of winning this game.

 "We've got to attack, be up-tempo and really go to win the game. We've got to make sure that we're not negative. We have got to make sure that complacency does not set in and make sure we are focused."

   Though strikers Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen are still out through injury and defender Rio Ferdinand is suspended, McClaren could yet be boosted by the return of John Terry from injury.

 Terry has not played in a month after knee surgery but the Chelsea defender reportedly told England he was available, if required.

 Full-back Ashley Cole is definitely fit again after missing the friendly win over Austria on Friday while midfielder Owen Hargreaves is also available after recovering from tendinitis.

 Tottenham striker Darren Bent has been called up as cover in attack, but McClaren seems likely to play Peter Crouch, who scored the winner against Austria, alongside another Spurs striker, Jermain Defoe.

 Though Croatia have already qualified, manager Slaven Bilic said his team would still be going for the win at Wembley.

 "A point at Wembley is always a good result but you can't play for a point," he said. "We'll do everything to represent our country in the best possible way."

   If England do not make it to Switzerland and Austria, it would be the first time since the 1994 World Cup that they have not qualified for a major tournament.

 Steven Gerrard, who is likely to continue as captain if Terry is still absent, said failure was almost unthinkable.

 "If we don't get there it will be so frustrating and we have to make sure we have the right mentality on Wednesday," he said.

 "Since we lost the game in Russia it has been difficult to be an England player to be honest. England want to be in the big tournaments and that's where we need to earn the right to be by getting the right result on Wednesday.

 "Now we are going to be looking forward to one of the biggest games of our lives."

DPA