'ERE WE CRO! Boss' vow after 3 Lions reprieve.

Byline: By ADRIAN SHAW 

JUBILANT England fans can today dream of Euro 2008 glory again after Israel handed us an amazing reprieve.

The minnows' shock 2-1 win over Russia means we need just a draw against Croatia - and Three Lions fans can start making travel plans for next year's showpiece.

The result marked a stunning turnaround in fortunes, especially as Russia came within the width of a post of sealing a win that would have put paid to our hopes.

Relieved England boss Steve McClaren vowed that Stevie Gerrard, David Beckham & Co would seize their surprise second chance and not fail the nation.

Under-fire McClaren urged the team's loyal army of supporters to turn Wembley into a cauldron as they roar their heroes to victory.

He said: "Everyone expects us to do it but you can't without the fans and the atmosphere they create.

"They did it against Israel and Russia at Wembley and we need it again on Wednesday night."

His battle cry was echoed by former FA executive director David Davies, who urged the crowd to back our boys.

He said: "Everyone needs to get behind the manager and the team and make a deafening noise at Wembley on Wednesday evening."

The showdown should see Becks win his 99th cap. And if England qualify, he is likely to join the select band of legends with more than 100 caps.

McCAlaren is confident his team will do enough to get through, even without many star names.

He said: "There is enough in the dressing room to achieve the result we need to get through.

"The players are all buoyed by the Israel result and the fresh opportunity presented to them.

"We have a good chance now and it's up to us. No excuses. We have to perform. Be positive and qualify.

We have to get the job done this time for sure."

It was a chance England did not look like they would ever have as the Russians played Israel in Tel Aviv on Saturday.

With the score at 1-1, Russia hit the post in the dying seconds - before Israel snatched an amazing injury-time winner.

The game was such a nailbiter McClaren spent the last 10 minutes locked in the lav.

Now a 2-0 win for England would see us top the group.

Given how close we came to crashing out, many fans might accept a draw that ensures our place in next year's showpiece in Austria and Switzerland.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, whose team have already qualified, revealed he too would be thrilled if it finished even.

The former West Ham and Everton defender said: "Nobody is favourite when they play away against England, so we would be happy for a point."

Even so, McClaren must do without crocked Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and John Terry and suspended Rio Ferdinand.

Bilic sympathised: "Steve is unlucky in every game he plays because he's missing three or four players with injury."

THE GREAT ESCAPES

Prussians turn up at Waterloo to help Wellington defeat Napolean.

Beckham's free kick against Greece which put England into the 2002 World Cup.

America finally joins the Second World War in 1941.

The 0-0 nailbiter in Italy which got Glenn Hoddle's England into the 1998 World Cup.

10 MILLION Number of foreign tourists who visit Croatia each year - double that of 17 years ago. Most visitors are from Germany and Italy.

75 the average life expectancy for Croats. The figure has risen from 72 in 1990

16 YEARS since Croatia declared its independence and plunged into war with the Serb-led Yugoslav People's Army which ended in 1995.

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CAPTION(S):

BECK FOR IT David in London on Saturday Picture: MATRIX; Israel players celebrating; Russian player is overcome; Happy McClaren last night