A first-half double from Michael Owen and a late strike from Rio Ferdinand lifted England above the Russians and into second place in Group E, making them firm favorites to reach next year's finals alongside group leaders Croatia.
Russia had offered an early warning that they would offer a tougher test than Israel had on Saturday when their captain, Andrey Arshavin, skipped round Ferdinand with ease and forced midfielder Gareth Barry -- tracking back diligently as he was to do all night -- into an important near-post interception.
But McClaren's faith in the line-up that had beaten the Israelis 3-0 was to be rewarded.
Though Wales have no chance of going through from Group D, their 5-2 thrashing of Slovakia in Trnava gave something more for Britain to cheer, with Craig Bellamy scoring twice.
Spain also took a big step towards booking their place in the finals with a 2-0 victory over Latvia.
Xavi opened the scoring in the 13th minute at Oviedo while Liverpool striker Fernando Torres capped the win with an 86th minute strike.
Spain are now top of Group F with Sweden, who have played a match less.
Portugal meanwhile were stunned by a late equalizer from Serbia after Simao had opened the scoring in the 11th minute, leaving Portugal third in Group A behind Poland and Finland.
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