England face crucial qualifiers

England start a crucial week of Euro 2008 qualifiers in

second place in Group E.

Michael Owen and Rio Ferdinand were the scorers in the 3-0 win over Russia in September. The Newcastle forward, who has been named in the 27-man squad for the two qualifiers, seems to be making a swift recovery from his recent groin operation.

But Steve McClaren will be without Owen's well-matched strike partner, Emile Heskey, the latest victim of the dread-ed broken metatarsal, and Everton's Andrew Johnson.

Another key goal scorer, Chelsea's Frank Lampard, is also an injury worry but fellow Blue, captain John Terry insists his fractured cheekbone will not stop him from playing - though another yellow card might rule him out of the Russia match. There is talk of David Beckham reappearing for the national side, but LA Galaxy emphasise that that will only happen if he is recovered from his knee injury.

Wembley is the scene for Saturday's action, which kicks off at 3.00pm. Coverage is on BBC2 from 2.30pm.

Meanwhile John Toshack's Wales could be without keepers Wayne Hennessy and Danny Coyne for their next couple of qualifiers. While this might be an issue against Cyprus on Saturday (S4C, 5.15pm), it shouldn't present too much of a problem in Wednesday's game against San Marino. Watch that match on BBC2 Wales from 7.15pm.

Few would have expected the Rugby World Cup semi-finals without either Australia or New Zealand. Brian Ashton's England emerged victorious -and miraculously injury-free - from last weekend's quarter-final against the Wallabies.

England take on France at the Stade de France on Saturday. Catch ITV1's pre-match chat from 7.45pm.

Sunday's semi sees South Africa take on Argentina, with ITV1 coverage from 7.45pm.

In cricket, England's one-day side faces Sri Lanka in Colombo (SS2, Saturday, from 9.30am).