England have put their worst behind them and are now very much in the running to claim top spot in their Euro 2008 qualifying group, midfielder Steven Gerrard insisted yesterday.
England remain fourth in their qualifying group despite a 3-0 win in Estonia midweek which eased the pressure on head coach Steve McClaren.
But they have cut the gap to three points between themselves and leaders Croatia who, like fellow challengers Israel and Russia, all have to visit the new Wembley in the autumn.
And the 27-year-old Liverpool skipper believes that after their 1-1 draw against Brazil earlier this month there are signs England are starting to turn the corner.
"We got off to a bright start under Steve McClaren but, as players, we know we let the country down with our seven or eight performances before the Brazil game," Gerrard said.
"Performance levels dipped and they were definitely not of the standard we would have desired," he said.
"The manager was getting all the stick but we are the players that he picks to do a job, the players that he believes in, and there have been more positive signs," Gerrard said. "We know we've got to look at the bigger picture and we are confident we can be in the 2008 tournament."
"People say that it's between us and Russia for second place but we don't think so. There's still a lot of football to be played. We are only just over half-way through the group," the Liverpool skipper said.
"We've still got a lot of big games to play in this group. I'm confident we can beat all those sides. The team has shown over the years that when we are under pressure, we can dig out a result," he said.
Gerrard is confident the return of Newcastle United's Michael Owen from injury will help England's chances.
"Michael is a fantastic goalscorer and he has got a great record at this level. Any team that has got Michael Owen fit, sharp and ready, is going to be stronger," he said.
"We have missed him, of course we have, and any side having people like Michael available can only benefit," Gerrard said.
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