Crouch scores again
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Peter Crouch was the hero again as his goal clinched last night's Euro2008 qualifier 1-0 in England's favour over Macedonia in Skopje.
Crouch scored seconds after half-time with a shot that bounced off the bar but was clearly over the line.
The Liverpool striker's 11th goal in 14 internationals made it three successive wins for England coach Steve McClaren.
Macedonia almost snatched a point late on, with Artemi Sakiri shooting wide and Ashley Cole clearing off the line.
McClaren said: "We knew we would learn about the players in an atmosphere like this and we have.
"We now know what we have got in that dressing room - players who can go away from home and give people good games. I was absolutely delighted with them."
And McClaren praised goal hero Crouch, who scored his 11th England goal in 14 appearances just after the break.
He said: "At the present moment he is doing a great job, along with Jermain Defoe as well.
"Peter scored a very good goal, but you shouldn't forget the work the front players do, filling in midfield and making sure they don't penetrate us too easily.
"Macedonia on their home pitch are always tough opposition. It was a tough game, in spells we had to really dig deep. It was a team effort and we got the points.
"The back four were magnificent, the defining moment came with the goal. We've got six points from two games so we're on target.
"We could have played better football. The referee was a bit bitty, he stopped the game too much and we couldn't get flowing. But overall that was the game we expected."
McClaren added: "In these type of games away from home it comes down to the defining moment and we got it with a very good goal.
"We were looking for self-confidence and belief. We are trying to build that after the World Cup and we are doing that. It was a good performance."
Captain John Terry said: "It was very satisfying. Coming here is difficult, it's a tough place to come and other teams will find it hard.
"We're delighted to come away with three points. It was quite hostile, they put us under pressure in the first and second half but we've come away with three points, a clean sheet and another goal for Crouchy."
Crouch scored seconds after half-time with a shot that bounced off the bar but was clearly over the line.
The Liverpool striker's 11th goal in 14 internationals made it three successive wins for England coach Steve McClaren.
Macedonia almost snatched a point late on, with Artemi Sakiri shooting wide and Ashley Cole clearing off the line.
McClaren said: "We knew we would learn about the players in an atmosphere like this and we have.
"We now know what we have got in that dressing room - players who can go away from home and give people good games. I was absolutely delighted with them."
And McClaren praised goal hero Crouch, who scored his 11th England goal in 14 appearances just after the break.
He said: "At the present moment he is doing a great job, along with Jermain Defoe as well.
"Peter scored a very good goal, but you shouldn't forget the work the front players do, filling in midfield and making sure they don't penetrate us too easily.
"Macedonia on their home pitch are always tough opposition. It was a tough game, in spells we had to really dig deep. It was a team effort and we got the points.
"The back four were magnificent, the defining moment came with the goal. We've got six points from two games so we're on target.
"We could have played better football. The referee was a bit bitty, he stopped the game too much and we couldn't get flowing. But overall that was the game we expected."
McClaren added: "In these type of games away from home it comes down to the defining moment and we got it with a very good goal.
"We were looking for self-confidence and belief. We are trying to build that after the World Cup and we are doing that. It was a good performance."
Captain John Terry said: "It was very satisfying. Coming here is difficult, it's a tough place to come and other teams will find it hard.
"We're delighted to come away with three points. It was quite hostile, they put us under pressure in the first and second half but we've come away with three points, a clean sheet and another goal for Crouchy."
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