New Delhi: England's chances of qualifying for Euro 2008 championship depend on how seriously Croatia take their game at Wembley on Wednesday night.
England need to avoid defeat to Croatia to clinch a place in the finals, since a loss will allow Russia to slip past and advance alongside Croatia.
England's hopes were only revived when Russia lost to Israel 1-2 on Saturday, and their players are now trying hard to focus in case Croatia come out fighting to restore some pride after losing to Macedonia on Saturday.
"We are back in it, it is in our hands - it is up to us now to go and finish the job off and hopefully come Wednesday night we could be top of the group, who knows. But we are ready for Croatia and preparation has gone well. We have got a lot of respect for them, we know they are a good team but we are ready and as you say it is a big game for every player involved," England skipper Steven Gerrard said.
Meanwhile, Croatia are confident of giving a tough fight to England.
Only half the pitch was used during Croatia's training session on Tuesday, with heat lamps installed at most places.
Despite the 0-2 defeat to Macedonia in Skopje last Saturday, Croatia still qualified for Euro 2008 when Russia lost two-one to Israel in Tel Aviv.
Croatia's coach Slaven Bilic has warned the 'icy' Wembley pitch could ruin England's chances of qualifying.
"Yes, of course we (Croatia) are excited because this is the place (Wembley), this is the stadium. We are ready, we are on top of the group and this is by far the most difficult group of all the (Euro 2008) groups. All three teams should have been in Austria (and Switzerland). I know that England is under pressure - and I think, and I am expecting that we will give them a good game," Slaven Bilic, Croatia's coach, said.
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