Terry on verge of shock comeback

The skipper's return would be a massive boost for the nation with only a point required at Wembley to ensure Steve McClaren's men make it through to the Euro 2008 Finals next summer.

Saturday's extraordinary results - Israel beat Russia 2-1 and the Croatians lost 2-0 to Macedonia - mean England can now qualify as Group E winners.

But McClaren knows that defensive steel will be required against Slaven Bilic's team who beat England 2-0 in Zagreb earlier in the campaign.

McClaren is already without Manchester United's suspended Rio Ferdinand.

Terry is reported to have been told by his Chelsea boss Avram Grant that he can play if he is fit enough and his knee will be assessed over the next two days following his operation last month.

Even if he can't play, McClaren insists: "I want John Terry, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand to be at Wembley for the game, to be with us in the dressing-room.

"This is it, no excuses, we have to be ready."

McClaren also called for the fans to unite in their support of his team against Croatia. Terry's Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard is one player who has been singled out for some vociferous criticism from a section of the Wembley crowd already this season and McClaren said: "We don't want anything other than the atmosphere that we had against Israel and Russia because if we have that ,the fans can be our 12th man.

"We want the atmosphere to be intimidating and one that boosts these England players. The key thing is that everybody has to get behind this team, the fans, the media, everyone, because everyone wants qualification."

Lampard believes he is in top form after he earned a recall for the 1-0 friendly win over Euro 2008 hosts Austria in Vienna on Friday.

He said: "I hear the manager has said I am in some of the best form of my career - and I would agree with that. I feel on top of my game. In the period between the England game with Russia and the one in Austria, over the last four or five weeks, I have felt very strong.

"Maybe what has contributed is that I came back very fresh from my time off because of injury.

"I had several frustrating weeks on the side-lines and came back when I was fit and raring to go. I feel fresh because of that - and sharp."

McClaren's side now need only to avoid defeat against Croatia to qualify after Russia's shock reversal in Israel.

Lampard said: "Now things are back in our hands in terms of qualifying there is a fantastic feeling in the squad.

"Since I've been involved in the squad when there's been a big game on which qualification hinges, like in Turkey a few years ago, we've managed to get the right result.

"We've performed better in the bigger games, especially the ones to qualify for major championships and we can do it again against Croatia.

"We can beat Croatia. We know we have got the ability in the team to do it. The fact we have got a chance to go through on Wednesday night will be a massive lift to the players."