Yossi Benayoun plays against England
Photo: Eli Elgarat
England beats Israel 3-0 in Euro 2008 qualifier
Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Owen and Micah Richards each score for England, which was in fourth place in Group E before match
England stayed in contention for a spot in the European Championship by beating Israel 3-0 Saturday in a qualifying match.
Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Owen and Micah Richards each scored for England, which had been in fourth place in Group E before the match.
Wright-Phillips scored his first competitive international goal in the 20th minute. Steven Gerrard, playing despite a broken toe, began a slick move that ended with Joe Cole crossing to Wright-Phillips in the box, who volleyed into goal.
English players celebrate (Photo: Reuters)
Owen made it 2-0 in the 49th, swiveling on the edge of the penalty box and scoring with a half volley. Midfielder Gareth Barry, playing for the injured Owen Hargreaves, set up the goal in his first England start since 2000.
Richards, a defender, scored his first international goal in the 66th minute, jumping to head in a corner from Barry.
Israel played without injured striker Roberto Colautti, and the visitors barely troubled England goalkeeper Paul Robinson. The two teams drew 0-0 in Israel in March. England has 17 points from eight games and Israel has 17 from nine. England hosts Russia on Wednesday.
