England go top but make hard work of it

Another goal from red-hot striker Michael Owen and a late strike by Robbie Fowler enabled England to scrape a 2-0 World Cup qualifiers victory over a hard-working Albania on Wednesday but it was still enough to send Sven Goran Eriksson's team to the top of group nine.

England predictably came down to earth after their amazing 5-1 victory in Germany on Saturday and led only after Owen's clever volley from a Paul Scholes through ball in the 44th minute.

They were unable to reproduce any of the attacking verve that ripped through Germany in Munich and not until Fowler's deft chip two minutes from time were the Albanians finally subdued.

The three points take England above Germany on goal difference and if they beat Greece at Old Trafford in their final game on October 6 -- barring a minimum seven goal win over Finland for Germany -- they will win the group and qualify for the finals, leaving Germany to enter the play-offs.

England began as they had left off in Munich -- full of running and attacking ideas -- but could not turn their early chances into goals.

Nick Barmby twice went close and Paul Scholes hooked a shot over the bar in the first 10 minutes.

England had a fright at the other end when defender Ashley Cole and Albania striker Altin Rraklli went down in a heap in the penalty area in the 15th minute, but the referee waved play on.

Albania, composed and skilful on the ball, were clearly not intimidated by the occasion and forced some important tackles from Sol Campbell.

MISSED CHANCE

Owen skied another chance on the half hour but just when a goalless first half looked on the cards, Owen struck, running between two defenders to volley home a superb flighted ball from Scholes.

Comedian Norman Wisdom, as well known in Albania as he is in England, entertained the crowd at halftime, but there was little humour after the re-start as England were forced onto the defensive.

A disappointing Emile Heskey was replaced by Liverpool team mate Fowler in the 55th minute and he should have scored straightway but hit a weak flick-shot which Foto Strakosha turned round the post.

WAYWARD PASSES

Steve McManaman soon replaced Barmby and proceeded to give the ball away at will as England began to look ragged.

David Seaman, who had been reassuring all night, had to come to their rescue in the 78th minute when he tipped over a searing shot from the left by Edvin Murati and then a hanging cross from the right from substitute Devis Mukaj.

England survived though and finally found another gear as Fowler missed a headed chance in the 85th minute and Strakosha saved well from Beckham and Owen.

Fowler finally came good in the 88th minute, picking up the ball outside the area, beating two defenders and calmly chipping the advancing Albanian keeper.

The St James' Park crowd's cheer was more in relief than celebration but now qualification is in England's hands and the nature of the victory will soon be forgotten.