GOALFLASHES AND MAJOR INCIDENTS (all times BST)

606: DEBATE

Send us your views, comments and opinions on Wednesday's games - text us on 81111 or use 606

By Caroline Cheese



2150: And there we must leave it. A million thanks for your texts and 606 chat today. It's not been the best of days has it? Never mind. There's still hope for Scotland, England and Northern Ireland and we must cling to it. Until next time then...



2146: France complete a 2-0 win over Lithuania to go top of Group B ahead of Scotland. The Scots must now beat Italy at Hampden Park on 17 November to qualify for Euro 2008.

2141: Should you wish to put yourself through the agony, you can watch highlights of England's game against Russia at 2240 BST on BBC1. And if you need to get anything off your chest, you could always give Tim Lovejoy a call on 606. The number's 0500 909 693. Only football issues though, he can't help with personal problems I'm afraid.

2138: "Scotland can do it against the Italians with their 12th man the Hampden crowd."

Via text on 81111

2135: Oh dear. Thierry Henry scores two goals in two minutes and France are 2-0 up against Lithuania with only nine minutes to go. Henry breaks Michel Platini's goalscoring record for France. And that also means Scotland must now beat Italy in their last Group B game.

2129: PLAYER RATER On a largely depressing day for the home nations, it is appropriate that a Northern Ireland player is the star of the show. Goalscorer Kyle Lafferty is on 7.53 ahead of Wales midfielder Joe Ledley on 7.14. The dunces today are Scotland's Shaun Maloney (4.24) and England keeper Paul Robinson (4.71). Still plenty of time for you to make a difference though.



2126: The Republic of Ireland's qualifying hopes are over while Northern Ireland, despite a creditable draw in Sweden, are hoping for a miracle.

2123: FULL-TIME Republic of Ireland 1-1 Cyprus

Finnan's late, late equaliser saves the Republic from the embarrassment of defeat but it doesn't stop the boos from the Croke Park crowd. Steve Staunton's job must be in jeopardy now.

2122: GOAL Republic of Ireland 1-1 Cyprus

Steve Finnan latches onto a weak Cyprus clearance and fires a volley into the net.

2121: FULL-TIME Sweden 1-1 Northern Ireland

A good effort from Northern Ireland, who earn a draw thanks to Kyle Lafferty's brilliant second-half effort.

2119: Zlatan Ibrahimovic goes wide with a free header as Sweden press for a late winner against Northern Ireland.

2118: "Come on Lithuania, dive now for a penalty."

Derek, Glasgow, via text on 81111 (Still France 0-0 Lithuania)

2116: "San Marino 1-2 Wales. Another abject performance, surely Toshack's reign is coming to an end now. That was totally unacceptable from Wales in the second half."

richie4eva1 on 606



2113: "In about a month's time what price Staunton, McClaren and Toshack are history?"

hawick on 606



2111: FULL-TIME San Marino 1-2 Wales

Wales hang on for victory after first-half goals from Rob Earnshaw and Joe Ledley but San Marino score only their second goal of the campaign in the second-half. Their goal difference is now only -50.

2108: GOAL Republic of Ireland 0-1 Cyprus

The boos are deafening at Croke Park now. Stelios Okkarides is allowed a free header in the box and he takes his chance. Steve Staunton looks on sheepishly. The Republic fans who aren't staying to boo the manager are heading for the exit.

2103: RED CARD San Marino

Nicola Albani gets his marching orders five minutes from time for a second yellow card. Wales will surely hang on for victory now. Won't they?

2059: GOAL Sweden 1-1 Northern Ireland

Fantastic goal. Kyle Lafferty controls a high, bouncing ball, cuts inside Olof Mellberg in the box and fires a superb shot into the top corner. A deserved equaliser from Northern Ireland. Now for the winner...

2054: "Flipping heck... Hanging on for a win against San Marino..."

chrisp2412 on 606



2051: GOAL San Marino 1-2 Wales

Embarrassment for Wales as San Marino score only their second goal in the qualifying campaign. Andy Selva's free-kick finds the top corner.

2049: If France only get a point tonight, that means Scotland will only have to match France's result in Ukraine when they face Italy at Hampden in their last game.

2047: In case there are any Scots not yet out and about drowning their sorrows. It is 0-0 between France and Lithuania at half-time.

2045: Northern Ireland winger Ivan Sproule escapes down the right and crosses early for David Healy but the ball doesn't fall kindly for the Fulham striker and Sweden can clear.

2044: Andy Reid wins the ball on the edge of the box and crosses for Stephen Hunt, whose free header goes wide for the Republic of Ireland.

2038: The pacy Yiannis Okkas clips the outside of the post for Cyprus. More booing. You really wouldn't want to be Steve Staunton right now.

2034: The Republic of Ireland kick off the second-half against Cyprus at Croke Park. This could be a crucial 45 minutes for Steve Staunton's future as manager.

2033: Northern Ireland get the second half in Sweden under way.

2131: San Marino force Lewis Price to make his first saves of the match as Wales make a sloppy start to the second-half.

2029: Scotland boss Alex McLeish: "I don't think anybody gave us a prayer that we'd still be in this position. I think everybody in Scotland should be grateful for that. We lost a game of football, and that can happen."

2024: Wales kick-off the second half against San Marino. John Toshack's side may be our only hope of a win for the home nations today.

2022: The debate is still raging on 606 about England's earlier defeat to Russia. Is Steve McClaren's time up? Should Paul Robinson and Steven Gerrard be dropped? Are England just over-rated? If it's not enough to vent your fury via the internet, don't forget to give Tim Lovejoy a bell on 5live later. The fun starts at 2130 BST.



2017: HALF-TIME Republic of Ireland 0-0 Cyprus

The boos get even louder from the fans at Croke Park as Steve Staunton and his players head down the tunnel afgter a goalless first-half.

2016: HALF-TIME Sweden 1-0 Northern Ireland

Olof Mellberg's goal puts Sweden ahead at half-time in a game Northern Ireland must realistically win to keep their qualifying hopes alive.

2015: Yet more catastrophic defending from the Repblic of Ireland as Stephen Hunt's attempted pass canons off a Cyprus player and leaves the Cypriots with a three versus one. Shay Given charges out but Nikolaou blasts his lob high and wide. The boos are ringing out from the home fans.

2011: The Czech Republic lead Germany - who have already qualified - 2-0 in Group D. If the Czechs take a point from that match, they will qualify for Euro 2008 and end the Republic of Ireland's slender hopes.

2008: HALF-TIME San Marino 0-2 Wales

Plain sailing for Wales after goals from Rob Earnshaw and Joe Ledley.

2004: Yiasoumi Yiasoumis is through on goal for Cyprus. Great save from Shay Given, disastrous defending from the Republic. Steve Staunton comes charging out onto the touchline and is quickly told to sit down again by the fourth official.

2003: "We were rubbish. But we are allowed a bad day after recent form. We will beat Italy."

Kenny in Leith via text on 81111

2002: Steve Finnan breaks down the right for the Republic of Ireland and crosses for Robbie Keane to head straight at the keeper. Keane leaps for the header ahead of Kevin Doyle, who is not best pleased.

2001: "At least we will have a full squad to pick from for the Italy game. Hartley and Brown were big misses tonight and we were without six of the likely starting line-up."

hawick on 606



1959: "What's the problem? One loss, no big deal - bring on the Italians at Hampden!"

Stuart, Glasgow, via text on 81111

1955: GOAL San Marino 0-2 Wales

Joe Ledley gets his goal for Wales. Again Craig Bellamy is the creator as his low cross across the six-yard box finds Ledley unmarked at the far post for a simple tap-in.

1955: FULL-TIME Georgia 2-0 Scotland

That's it. A really dismal defeat for Scotland after so many highs recently. They are now likely to need victory over Italy at Hampden Park on 17 November if they are to qualify for Euro 2008.

1952: "A predictable text from Andy (1942), at least its still in our own hands!"

Graham, Dundee, via text on 81111

1947: San Marino keeper Aldo Simoncini produces a superb save to tip Joe Ledley's 20-yard curler over the bar.

1947: The crowd in Tblisi are giving every player who comes off a standing ovation - which says something about how unaccustomed they are to winning games. A minute of normal time to go.

1944: GOAL Sweden 1-0 Northern Ireland

Tobias Linderoth's free-kick is flicked on and Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg is at the far post to stab home.

1942: "A predictable disaster from Scotland. Georgia takes its place beside Costa Rica and Iran."

Andy, London, via text on 81111

1939: A Rob Earnshaw goal is disallowed for offside after superb build-up play between Neal Eardley, Simon Davies and Craig Bellamy.

1938: Georgia take off 16-year-old Levan Kenia who looks set to celebrate his 17th birthday tomorrow with a fine win. Scotland have been poor tonight. They haven't really tested the debutant Georgia keeper, who has not even appeared for his club.

1936: Scotland have 13 minutes left to snatch an unlikely point in Tblisi.

1933: GOAL San Marino 0-1 Wales

Rob Earnshaw latches on to a through ball from Craig Bellamy and finds the back of the net from 12 yards, courtesy of a deflection.

1932: The games involving the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are under way.

1931: "Bring back the home internationals next year, that way we can watch some summer football of interest."

Unhappy Adrian via text on 81111

1928: "It's over. Dire performance from a sluggish Scottish side."

James, Shetland, via text on 81111

1923: GOAL Georgia 2-0 Scotland

Disaster for Scotland. Midfielder David Kvirkvelia beats Graeme Murty and provides the cross for David Siradze to double Georgia's lead.

1919: San Marino kick off the game against Wales.

1914: Shaun Maloney puts a free-kick just wide but the keeper probably had it covered. The 17-year-old in Georgia's goal has drawn comparisons in this office to Steve Strange, Screech from Saved by the Bell and Bruno from Fame. This is the sort of chat I have to put up with.

1911: Still no post-half-time attack of note from either side in Georgia and that is likely to suit the home side.

1907: It's a quiet opening to the second period - Scotland boss Alex McLeish looks a tad pensive on the visitors' bench.

1904: The second half kicks off in Georgia.

1855: TEAM NEWS Sweden v N Ireland

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington hands Gareth McAuley and Ivan Sproule their first competitive starts, for Michael Duff and Keith Gillespie respectively. There are three other enforced changes from the side that lost to Iceland with Aaron Hughes back as captain and Stephen Craigan and Kyle Lafferty recalled.

1847: HALF-TIME Georgia 1-0 Scotland

A headed goal from 17-year-old Levan Mchelidze puts Georgia ahead at half-time. Still, as Russia proved earlier, there's no need to panic with a one-goal half-time deficit.

1846: "I'm trying to get through a parents evening at school whilst checking the scores on the web. God knows what I said to the set of parents when the England game finished, I think I went on about team selection, no wonder they went out looking confused. Come on Scotland."

Rob in Crewe, via text on 81111

1844: Two minutes left of the first-half plus added time.

1842: "The pitch invader had a better run than any of the Scotland team have so far"

Scott, Clydebank, via text on 81111

1841: James McFadden volleys onto the roof of the net from 25 yards. He looks Scotland's most dangerous outlet at the moment.

1838: "Scots should've had a penalty there for sure! Awful tackle on McFadden. Officials not doing their part to help the better teams today."

Zippy, George and Bungle on 606



1836: James McFadden is convinced he has won a penalty after Zurab Khizanishvilli's challenge. Ref not interested. Looked close to me.

1835: A man runs onto the pitch waving his hat about. He is promptly taken down by five Georgian policemen. That stopped his fun.

1832: More from Steve McClaren: "Obviously it puts us in a bad position. It's out of our hands. We've got to rely on Israel getting a result from Russia next month and then we take it from there. We're not giving up. We'll take it to the end."

1829: Stephen McManus heads over from James McFadden's corner as Scotland look to get back into this.

1828: Steve McClaren ain't happy about that penalty. "I've just seen it again. It's an absolute disgrace. It's outside the box. The linesman didn't give it. It was the referee from quite some distance. Things like that turn games."

1825: TEAM NEWS San Marino v Wales

Wales boss John Toshack makes four changes from the side that lost 3-1 in Cyprus on Saturday. James Collins is out with a calf problem, while keeper Danny Coyne, Sam Ricketts and Freddy Eastwood are on the bench. In come Lewis Price in goal, Neal Eardley, David Vaughan and Robert Earnshaw.

1823: Georgia's goalscorer Levan Mchelidze, for your information, is not actually Scottish - despite the name. He's only 17 and winning his second cap tonight after impressing against Italy at the weekend.

1820: "This is going to be a long night."

Im_partial on 606



1819: "Scotland lost a goal from a set-piece which is very unlike them."

Former Scotland boss Craig Brown on BBC Sport

1817: GOAL Georgia 1-0 Scotland

Brilliant corner from Georgia and towering striker Levan Mchelidze nods it in. Disastrous start for Scotland. This is looking like a bleak day for the home nations.

1817: Georgia continue to look dangerous, with both their full-backs charging down the flanks. Scotland look OK defensively though.

1815: The referee's name is Knut Kircher. Nothing famous about him as far as I know. But a great name - and I should know.

1813: "I think I'm going to buy a kilt on ebay tonight."

Via text on 81111

1811: Georgia may be fielding three teenagers - including their keeper - but they've made a decent start. Scotland are having to defend in the early stages. Graeme Murty is in with a good diving tackle to stop the marauding Levan Kenia.

1809: "Can I be the second of many to agree and say McClaren out (see 1754)! Jose you fancy a job? Always said rugby should be our national sport!"

Alan, Sevenoaks, via text on 81111

1806: Georgia have the first meaningful attack, but Graham Alexander is on hand to put the ball behind for the corner.

1804: "Gerrard an overrated flaw in England's team, we spent so much time accommodating him we didn't bother asking if he was good enough."

Via text on 81111

1801: And we're under way in Georgia, Scotland in their brand new claret away strip.

1800: Here are the teams:

Georgia: Makaridze, Ghvinianidze, Shashiashvili, Asatiani, Salukvadze, Kvirkvelia, Kankava, Menteshashvili, Kenia, Siradze, McHedlidze. Subs: Sturua, Jakobia, Kandelaki, Tatanashvili, Kvakhadze, Bolkvadze, Dolidze.

Scotland: Gordon, Murty, Alexander, McManus, Weir, Ferguson, Fletcher, Pearson, Miller, Maloney, McFadden. Subs: Marshall, McEveley, Dailly, Robson, Teale, Beattie, Boyd.

1759: "For an hour England didn't give Russia a sniff of goal and played well; penalty wasn't a pen and then the pressure told. Unlucky to lose, but the two misses at the start of the second half, especially Gerard's, came back to haunt them."

hawick on 606



1756: The teams are out at the Boris Paichadze Stadium. Georgia have only won twice in Group B - against the Faroe Islands.

1755: "I'm not going to argue with that result. Steven Gerrard had an open opportunity and had a great chance to put England 2-0 up. Was it or wasn't it a penalty for Russia's first? I'm not too sure. And then for Russia's winner, Paul Robinson was unable to palm the first shot away far enough."

Former England manager Graham Taylor on BBC 5live

1754: "Can I be the first text to say Macca out now! Even if Russia mess up and we fluke qualification"

Via text on 81111 (Yes you can and you are)

1753: Just time to take a deep breath before Scotland kick off in Georgia - whose keeper is a 17-year-old debutant, who has never played for his club.

1751: FULL-TIME Russia 2-1 England

Agony for Steve McClaren's England. The Russian players are dancing up and down in a huddle while England's players look devastated. The Euro 2008 dream suddenly looks a long-shot. They must now hope Russia slip up against Israel or Andorra.

1749: Michael Owen skips into the box but misplaces his pass for Peter Crouch. Roman Pavluchenko is clean through on the counter-attack but Sol Campbell is there again with the last-ditch challenge.

1748: Three minutes of added time remaining.

1746: "If England lose this match I am 100% sure we will not make it to Euro 2008."

MrKnowItAll7 on 606



1745: Steven Gerrard wins a corner as his shot is deflected. England pile forward but Russia clear.

1743: Stewart Downing delivers the corner and Sol Campbell is completely unmarked but manages to head over. We're getting replays of Roman Abramovich celebrating Russia's goals. Talk about rubbing salt in the wound.

1740: And it's almost 3-1. A corner rebounds off Yuri Zhirkov's leg after Micah Richards swings and misses but the ball trickles narrowly wide.

1738: England have less than 10 minutes to salvage a draw here. Peter Crouch is causing problems up front.

1735: Triple substitution coming up from England coach Steve McClaren. Frank Lampard, Stewart Downing and Peter Crouch are on, Joleon Lescott, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole are off.

1733: If the score stays the same - and it's all Russia at the moment - it means qualification is no longer in England's hands. Russia would edge out England if they win their last two games against Israel (away) and Andorra (away).

1732: "This is now where you have to have big hearts. It's now a battle."

Former England manager Graham Taylor on BBC 5live

1729: GOAL Russia 2-1 England

Paul Robinson saves Alexei Berezutsky's shot but the rebound lands at Roman Pavlyuchenko's feet and he stabs the ball in. What a turnaround.

1728: "I'm looking at Wayne Rooney now. Rio Ferdinand is patting him on the back telling him not to worry."

Former England manager Graham Taylor on BBC 5live

1726: GOAL Russia 1-1 England

Substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko beats Paul Robinson, leaving Wayne Rooney to trudge back to the halfway line. It was a poor challenge, but it did look outside the area.

1725: Penalty to Russia. Wayne Rooney clumsily brings down Konstantin Zyrianov. It looks to be outside the box.

1724: This is nerve-wracking. Russia are looking much more dangerous now, but by committing more men forward, they are leaving space at the back for England to counter-attack.

1723: "Campbell's experience has twice saved England. Tremendous tackle by Campbell. Excellent."

Former England manager Graham Taylor on BBC 5live

1721: Diniyar Bilyaletdinov plays a one-two with Andrei Arshavin and is through on goal but Sol Campbell is in again with a brilliantly-timed tackle. Time to rethink the man of the match award methinks.

1720: "I was disappointed with Russia at Wembley and I'm disappointed with them here. They've hardly caused any problems for England."

Former England midfielder Chris Waddle on BBC 5live

1719: Yuri Zhirkov drives down the left and cuts into the box but his ball in is well cut out by Sol Campbell. Dangerous from Russia.

1717: Roman Pavlyuchenko, the other Spartak Moscow player in Russia's squad, is now on the pitch in place of Aleksandr Kerzhakov.

1715: Rio Ferdinand is booked for a tug and he will miss the game against Croatia at Wembley.

1714: Shambolic free-kick from England. Wayne Rooney touches it on for Steven Gerrard but the Liverpool man isn't ready, allowing Russia to take possession.

1712: Steven Gerrard's free-kick is headed on by Wayne Rooney on the edge of the box and with Micah Richards millimetres away from making contact, keeper Vladmimir Gabulov does well to keep his eye on the ball and claw it away.

1709: TEAM NEWS

Scotland include Shaun Maloney, Graeme Murty and Darren Fletcher for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Georgia. Scott Brown and Gary Naysmith are out injured and Lee McCulloch suspended.

1708: Steven Gerrard is all on his own as Gareth Barry's cross from the right comes over but the skipper volleys wide from a great position. A massive let-off for Russia. Gerrard had time to take a touch.

1707: Rooney is back on again - just as he takes the lead in the BBC Sport Player Rater.



1706: Wayne Rooney hobbles off the pitch and is having some ice rubbed on his shin.

1704: "Water cannons won't help Russia... Rooney walks on water!"

Via text on 81111

1701: The second-half kicks off. Russia make a change with Dmitri Torbinskiy, who plays his home matches for Spartak Moscow at this stadium, replacing Vasili Berezutski.

1656: "I'm at the game. Good first-half. It's freezing here but we look to have rattled the Russians."

Rob via text on 81111

1652: There go the water cannons again. Given his wonder goal, you would think Wayne Rooney would be the highest-rated player in that first-half wouldn't you? Well, not according to the BBC Sport website users who reckon Gareth Barry is the man of the moment... Crazy talk.



1650: "Alan Green sounds much better on a mobile phone: he should do it every week!"

Robert Stephenson, Northampton, via text on 81111

1648: "Great first-half by England. Seems those water cannons backfired on Russia!"

Chris, St Albans, via text on 81111

1645: HALF-TIME Russia 0-1 England

And it was only a minute. Wayne Rooney's superb volley puts England ahead at half-time. If the score stays the same, England will qualify from Group E along with Croatia, eliminating Russia.

1645: Only a minute of added time in the first half as Russia go on the attack again but England's defence is standing firm.

1644: Joe Cole swings over a corner from the right and Micah Richards is close to making contact before the ball rebounds off Joleon Lescott's foot and harmlessly away.

1642: Wayne Rooney tries his luck with a free-kick, quite central, about 30 yards out. It keeps rising though and flies a long way over.

1639: Russia win two corners in quick succession, the second of which is punched in rather alarming fashion by Paul Robinson. Good defending by England though.

1638: "Let's have more phone commentaries - far more exciting!"

James, Edinburgh, via text on 81111

1632: Russia playmaker Yuri Zhirkov releases Igor Semshov into the box but Joe Cole prevents the midfielder cutting the ball back with a last-ditch challenge.

1629: GOAL Russia 0-1 England

Michael Owen heads on Micah Richards' clearance and Wayne Rooney takes it on his chest and volleys it magnificently into the roof of the net. A truly great goal.

1628: "This has got draw written all over it, even if they were playing in treacle it would be less scrappy."

anubisrich on 606



1625: And just as I say that Konstantin Zyrianov's fizzing low shot is tipped onto the post by Paul Robinson. That will be a boost for the much-maligned Spurs man.

1623: Guus Hiddink is going berserk on the touchline. The Russia coach clearly isn't happy with the way this game is going. England keeper Paul Robinson is yet to make a save.

1618: England's marking again lets them down and Russia are allowed two shots on goal - but both are blocked. A charging Wayne Rooney goes on the counter-attack, but can't get his pass away.

1616: The England fans are belting out the national anthem and this time it is audible above the whistling of the opposition fans. The game is a midfield battle at the moment.

1614: "My heart skipped a beat there. I wondered whether the Russian player had been tripped. We must be very careful and pick up the runners."

Former England manager Graham Taylor

1611: A nervous moment for England as Aleksandr Kerzhakov goes down in the box under a challenge from Joe Cole but replays show it's a very elaborate dive.

1607: GT is right. Russia have certainly started better, with England's defence looking a wee bit shaky at the moment. Aleksandr Kerzhakov has a shot from distance which hits Sol Campbell's hand. The Russian striker appeals but the Spanish ref says it's ball to hand.

1605: "Russia have started off at a tremendous pace. Watering the surface just before kick-off has altered the state of the pitch."

Former England manager Graham Taylor on BBC 5live

1601: The broadcasting lines from Moscow are down, meaning Alan Green and chums are commentating on 5live via telephone. It's like the 1970s all over again. Brilliant.

1559: Skipper Steven Gerrard rallies the troops before Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen get the game under way.

1558: "Joleon Lescott will be a big threat in the box along with Sol Campbell and Micah Richards. I hope Michael Owen is not too isolated up front because Wayne Rooney will be playing deeper."

Former England midfielder Chris Waddle on BBC 5live

1556: I think the national anthem has been played. It was drowned out by booing from the Russian fans.

1551: The water cannons retreat as the teams enter the stadium. The Russian fans have unveiled what they claim is the biggest flag in the world. Seriously. They claim that at 130x80m, it will go into the Guinness Book of Records.

1547: It's a 74,000 sell-out at the Luzhniki Stadium where they are firing what look like water cannons onto the artificial (happy now?) surface.

1545: Here are the full team line-ups:

Russia: Gabulov, Alexei Berezutsky, Ignashevich, Vasili Berezutsky, Zhirkov, Bilyaletdinov, Semshov, Zurianov, Aniukov, Arshavin, Kerzhakov. Subs: Malafeev, Torbinsky, Pogrebniak, Shirokov, Kolodin, Sychev, Pavluchenko.

England: Robinson, Richards, Ferdinand, Campbell, Lescott, Wright-Phillips, Gerrard, Barry, Cole, Rooney, Owen. Subs: James, Shorey, Luke Young, Lampard, Neville, Downing, Crouch.

1541: "To the resident pedant, polyethylene and polypropylene are both plastic, so the pitch is plastic with rubber and sand and fibres ha ha."

John from Chelmsford, via text on 81111

1537: "If a cow can't eat it, I don't want to play on it! Said baseball player Dick Allen."

Jon, Hythe, via text on 81111

1533: The resident pedant at BBC Sport towers has pointed out that the pitch in Moscow is not actually plastic. He says it's an artificial turf composed of monofilament polyethylene blend fibres tufted into a polypropylene backing with a mixture of silica sand and cryogenic rubber infill, the fibres with an infill of silicone sand and rubber. Well, OK, he didn't say that last bit, Wikipedia did.

1526: Well done Ashal who texted in the correct answer. Medina Cantalejo was the fourth official at the 2006 World Cup final and spotted Zidane's headbutt.

1521: The referee today is Luis "Funky Cold" Medina Cantalejo of Spain. You've got five minutes to tell me what he is most famous for... (without looking on Google).

1516: "I have no fears over Lescott. As a Wolves fan I've seen how good he can be. He won't let anyone down and I've backed him as first goalscorer too!"

Dan via text on 81111

1513: "Good luck to Lescott. I personally think he'll be poor. I hope I'm wrong!!"

acg316 on 606



1509: "As a Scotsman working in London, any ideas how I can get my own back on the office for playing Ray Charles' 'Georgia on my mind' over the tannoy? Thinking of sitting on my bosses coatrail and hoping it snaps in two, a la Wembley 1977."

Ross in London, via text on 81111

1506: So as expected, Steve McClaren throws Joleon Lescott in at the deep end for his full debut and Sol Campbell is in for John Terry again. Frank Lampard on the bench. Thoughts?

1505: TEAM NEWS

England team to face Russia: Robinson, Richards, Ferdinand, Campbell, Lescott, J Cole, Wright-Phillips, Gerrard, Barry, Owen, Rooney.

1456: "Anyone got any good excuses as to why I need to leave the office at, oh say, 3:55?"

AndrewC, London, via text on 81111

1451: "I once played on a plastic pitch. We won 22-0, though I did graze my knee, which I complained about a bit. On the other hand, I'm a total softie, not millionaire athlete so I feel my moan was justified."

Robert McInroy, Glasgow, via text on 81111

1447: "Re: The Plastic Pitch. The build-up to this match has seen some of the most shameless pre-emptive excuse making I can remember. Good to see you pointing it out too, tut tut."

JL, Ayr, via text on 81111

1443: Let's be Steve McClaren for a moment shall we? No, come on, just for a moment. Is Frank Lampard in your team? Does Joleon Lescott replace Ashley Cole? Why not select your XI with BBC Sport's squad selector...



1441: "I have a bad feeling for England, those pesky Russians will drown that pitch in water before the game making it different completely to what England have trained on."

EdinburghsNo1 on 606



1437: England are the first to kick off at 1600 BST and we have news from Moscow that it's 9C, an evening for long-sleeved shirts then. If you want to share your experiences of Moscow in October or indeed playing on a plastic pitch, why not drop me a text on 81111 or get involved with 606.



1430: Never mind John Terry, my knees are locking at the prospect of what could be a momentous day for both England and Scotland. England just need a win... in Moscow... on a plastic pitch... while Scotland must win in Georgia and hope our old friends Lithuania take points off France. Easy.

