KEY POINTS:
TALLINN - David Beckham set up two goals to steer England to a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Estonia today that put their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign firmly back on track.
Winger Joe Cole gave Steve McClaren's side a 37th-minute lead with a crisp half-volley before Beckham set up Peter Crouch for the second in the 54th minute and then lined up Michael Owen for the third in the 62nd.
It made for a memorable competitive return for Beckham, recalled to the squad last week after being discarded by McClaren after last year's World Cup.
He made a promising comeback in last week's 1-1 friendly draw with Brazil at Wembley and fully justified his 96th cap for his country in the Group E clash.
It was also a night to cherish for Owen, who is still looking for full match fitness after a long-term knee injury suffered at last year's World Cup and scored his first England goal since a friendly win over Jamaica in June 2006.
McClaren was also relieved at the night's work, having been a target for critics after a defeat by Croatia, draws with Macedonia and Israel, and a laboured 3-0 win over Andorra.
The victory takes England to 14 points from seven games, one point behind Russia, who drew 0-0 in Croatia. Israel, 2-0 winners in Andorra, have 17 from eight with Croatia top on 17, also from seven matches.
"We looked a team tonight," McClaren told Sky Sports TV.
"Estonia showed great spirit but we competed, we won challenges and we knew they would tire and the gaps would open.
"We got that first goal and got our rewards in the second.
"I think we've gained a lot in the last two-and-half weeks we've been together and I think Friday (against Brazil) gave us the confidence and belief."
On the performance of Beckham, who went off in the second half for treatment on a twisted ankle, he said: "David Beckham knows when to come in and stay wide and his delivery is second to none.
"His performance on the field answers everyone."
England, buoyed by the Brazil game and making the most of Crouch's height, soon had Estonia on the back foot but had to wait until the 37th minute to break down the dogged hosts.
Wayne Bridge's long throw was nodded on by Crouch and Cole was able to chest the ball down before swivelling to beat keeper Mart Poom with a smart half-volley.
Beckham then killed the game with two superb crosses after the re-start, sending the first into the area from deep and allowing Crouch to cleverly head past Poom on the bounce for his 12 goal in 19 internationals.
Owen flicked home the second at the far post to seal a deserved win, though Estonia nearly snatched a consolation goal in stoppage time.
Substitute Tarmo Kink beat Paul Robinson with a low shot but England captain John Terry was there to clear off the line to leave them without a goal after their seventh straight defeat in the group.
In other Euro qualifiers played today, Armenia upset Poland 1-0, Scotland beat the Faroe Islands 2-0 and Finland kept alive their slim hopes with a 2-0 win over Belgium.
- REUTERS
