| Robert MillwardLondon, England (AP) - Qualifying for | | | | points behind the top three teams. Leader Croatia, |
| the 2008 European Championship is just past the | | | | which is unbeaten in 32 competitive games at home, |
| halfway stage, and most of the leading teams are | | | | hosts third-place Russia and second-place Israel will be |
| rising to the top of their groups.In Wednesday's | | | | confident of winning at Andorra, which is last after |
| qualifiers, three-time winner Germany can go five | | | | losing all six of its games. Estonia also has lost all six |
| points ahead in Group D, while World Cup winner | | | | matches, so if England doesn't win it could end |
| Italy, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, the Czech | | | | McClaren's 10-month stint as coach. Midfielder Steven |
| Republic, France and defending champion Greece all | | | | Gerrard says it's up to the players to help McClaren |
| are well-positioned to finish in the top two spots in | | | | keep his job. "A manager can only do so much," |
| their groups and advance. England is the exception. It | | | | Gerrard said. "We've got to get out there and take |
| is fourth in Group E and likely to stay there even if it | | | | the heat off him. We are the so-called best players in |
| wins at Estonia. With David Beckham playing his first | | | | England. We're getting picked to go out there and do |
| competitive game for England since last year's World | | | | a job. To be honest, Steve has been good since he |
| Cup, coach Steve McClaren's team is at least three | | | | took over. |