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Steve McClaren enjoyed one of his most successful days as England manager, despite spending most of it with his feet up watching television in a hotel.
England began the day as outsiders to reach next year's European championship but ended it needing only a draw in their final
game at home to Croatia on Thursday to go through.
That unlikely scenario was brought about by Israel's late 2-1 home win over Russia, a result that also guaranteed Croatia a finals place.
Elyaniv Barda put Israel ahead in the 10th minute in Tel Aviv but Diniyar Bilyaletdinov levelled on the hour.
As the clock ticked down McClaren and the England players, watching in the team hotel near London as they prepared for this week's game, must have been willing the final whistle to sound.
They knew qualification was back in their hands and that they could go through by beating Croatia.
But, after Russia hit the post in the last minute, it got even better for England when Omer Golan broke clear and tucked in a shock winner to leave England needing only a point.
"What a night," McClaren said. "I would like to pay tribute to Israel for the professional way they went about their job."
Croatia, perhaps diverted by news of their qualification, later lost 2-0 in Macedonia. That means England will top the group if they win 2-0 or by three clear goals if Croatia score.
If England lose on Thursday Russia would go through with Croatia, assuming they beat Andorra in their final match.
Elsewhere, Italy and France, who met in the World Cup final 16 months ago, advanced to the finals, thanks to Italy's injury-time 2-1 win over Scotland in Glasgow.
Christian Panucci's header sent world champions Italy through, ending Scotland's hopes in the process and meaning that France qualify for the finals whatever happens in their last game against Ukraine on Thursday.
Scotland must be wondering what they have to do to make a tournament finals having beaten France home and away, and giving Italy a torrid time for long spells at Hamden Park.
Luca Toni put Italy ahead in the second minute but Scotland, showing great heart and skill, equalised in the 65th through captain Barry Ferguson. That result would have left the group placings still to be settled but Panucci's header from a controversially awarded free kick changed everything.
- REUTERS
