England's perfect record under coach Steve McClaren was brought to an end on Saturday when they were held to a goalless draw by Macedonia in their Euro 2008 qualifier at the Old Trafford. Despite the draw, England are on top of Group E with six points, ahead of second-placed Israel on a goal difference. Coach Steve McClaren was forced to field Tottenham defender Ledley King after Rio Ferdinand sustained a back injury just before the match begins. Although England dominated possession, Macedonia stunned the home crowd with a courageous display in the first-half. Lazio striker Goran Pandev had the first chance for the visitors in the 11th minute when he latched on to Ilco Naumoski's through pass before rounding King inside the area and sending a left-footed strike into the side netting. In the 37th minute, Macedonia defender Robert Petrov collected the ball on the edge of the area and fired a powerful drive over the bar. England had the first chance early in the second period when Frank Lampard's close-range header was blocked by Macedonia keeper Jane Nikoloski. In the 58th minute, England winger Stewart Downing curled a pinpoint cross from the left flank to Peter Crouch, whose diving header was brilliantly parried by Nikoloski. In other Group E match, Israel needed a late strike by substitute Amit Ben Shushan to salvage a 1-1 draw at Russia. Ben Shushan's goal six minutes from time cancelled out Andrei Arshavin's opener after just five minutes.
