England in jeopardy As John Terry Misses Euro Qualifiers

The next coming days could well be the most outlining moment in Steve McClaren’s career as the national coach of the England football unit. England might have retrieved somewhat in the otherwise shaking Euro 2008 qualifiers last month when they won two matches against Israel and Russia at Wembley but Saturday’s match with Estonia and the mega clash against Russia in Moscow on Wednesday will bring to conclusion England's chances in the qualification campaign.

But the non-existence of England captain and legend defender John Terry from the Estonia game could well prove to be the crucial factor. The Chelsea captain was found uncomfortable during a training session on Wednesday and has been ruled out of Saturday’s crucial game with a knee injury. Terry is also likely to stay on the bench when England travel to Moscow to play Russia in decisive Group E clash

The most renowned and crucial element in the England team is their defense but now with Terry’s absence, a large hole is clearly visible at the heart of the backline. Terry has been a reliable performer for England and also for Chelsea in the English Premiership the last few years and McClaren would have to give a deep look into his resources to unearth a player of such caliber and leadership skills.

Portsmouth’s often underestimated defender Sol Campbell could replace Terry in central defense and so could the young and quick Manchester City player Micah Richards. While McClaren would be considering of either options and knows that England should comprehensively get past Estonia in the first game, it is the trip to Moscow and running on an artificial pitch at the Luzhnik stadium that looks the most frightening task.

England are lying second in their group, 2 points behind leaders Croatia but Russia are on their back with just two points further lying in third place. Steve McClaren was over-whelmed by the news earlier this week that injury-prone Michael Owen was fit once again and would join fellow striker Wayne Rooney in the two critical Euro qualifiers. But the setback in the shape of a injury to captain John Terry would be a crucial factor that McClaren would be trying hard to overcome.