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WATFORD, England, Nov 19 (Reuters) - England will not need reminding of the last time they required a result from their final qualifying match to reach a major tournament when they face Croatia at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday.
Israel's 2-1 victory over Russia on Saturday, coupled with Macedonia's 2-0 win over Croatia, means England need only draw their final game to qualify with the Croatians from Group E.
Croatia have already secured their place with 26 points from 11 matches, while England have 23 points and Russia have 21.
Although England's fate is now back in their own hands after Saturday's results they could still miss out if they lose to Croatia, and Russia, as expected, beat Andorra in their final game.
The last time England needed a positive result from a final qualifier, they very nearly did not get it.
That was on Oct 6, 2001 when they met Greece at Old Trafford in their final qualifier for the 2002 World Cup finals in South Korea and Japan.
England went into the game needing a win to ensure their place in the finals, a situation that changed when Germany dropped points against Finland. That meant England only needed one point to advance, but they were losing 2-1 with time almost up -- before David Beckham scored with a free-kick to secure a 2-2 draw and take England to the finals.
That was in Beckham's 46th international and if he plays against Croatia he will win his 99th cap.
The former captain has said he has no intention of curtailing his international career now and is already looking forward to playing in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
For now at least, most English eyes are focused on Wednesday's game and securing at least the point they need to reach next year's tournament.
