By DPA
Tallinn : England boosted their hopes of qualifying for the finals of Euro 2008 with a 3-0 win in Estonia.
Joe Cole put England ahead with a superb volley eight minutes before half-time Wednesday and second-half goals from Peter Crouch and Michael Owen, both set up by David Beckham, sealed the victory.
The three points eased the pressure on under-fire coach Steve McClaren, for now, and more importantly lifted England to within sight of Group E leaders Croatia, who played out a scoreless draw with Russia.
The results mean Israel, who beat Andorra 2-0, sit joint top with Croatia on 17 points, followed by Russia on 15 and England on 14 points.
McClaren restored Peter Crouch to the starting line-up in place of Alan Smith. Wes Brown came in at right back for Jamie Carragher, with Ledley King slotting in alongside John Terry in the centre and Wayne Bridge replacing Nicky Shorey at left-back.
After an uninspiring first 36 minutes, Cole set England on their way, turning 10 metres out and firing in a sweet volley.
Beckham was again one of England's best players and he made his mark nine minutes after half time, curling a cross to Crouch, whose looping header doubled their lead.
Eight minutes later, Beckham sent in another great cross and this time Michael Owen was on hand to make it 3-0 with his 37th goal for England.
Estonia, who have failed to score in Group E, created chances but could not find a way past Paul Robinson, though Terry had to come to his goalkeeper's rescue late on when he cleared off the line.