Dreadful blunders from goalkeeper Paul Robinson gave Croatia a 2-0 home victory over below-par England in the Euro 2008 qualifiers on Wednesday. Da Silva Eduardo put the hosts ahead one minute past the hour mark before an own goal by Gary Neville eight minutes later ensured Croatia's win. The result put England, who were held to a goalless draw by Macedonia on Saturday, in third place of Group E with seven points, behind Croatia and Israel who lead with goal difference. England coach Steve McClaren opted to start with a 3-5-2 formation but his side continued their struggle in front of goal. Wayne Rooney had the best chance for England in the 54th minute when he latched on to Peter Crouch's through pass inside the area before firing wide.
Russia Although Robinson produced a string of saves to deny Croatia the opener in the first-half, his errors in the second period cost England the match. In the 61st minute, Eduardo broke the deadlock when he escaped marker John Terry and received Nico Kovac's cross from the left flank with a looping header over the too-advancing Robinson. Just eight minutes later, Neville sent a back pass to Robinson who was unable to clear the ball as it bobbled over his foot to settle into the back of the net. In another Group E game, two late goals by Russia gave them a 2-0 home win over Estonia. Pavel Pogrebnyak grabbed the lead in the 78th minute before Dmitry Sychev sealed the victory in stoppage time.
