England's great escape: Gerrard rallies his lucky stars for 'the game of their lives'

The England midfielder, who leads the team out against Slaven Bilic's side at Wembley on Wednesday in the absence of the injured John Terry, admitted he was jumping around the living room after Israel secured an unlikely win over Russia and Macedonia beat Croatia.

Incredibly, the events at the weekend mean England will even top Group E if they beat Croatia 2-0 or by three clear goals, but a draw would be sufficient to pip Russia to qualification.

Gerrard said: 'We have to be ready for the game of our lives. We always wanted to remain positive and we all believed that Israel or Macedonia would come through for us.'

England's prayers were answered when Israel beat Russia 2-1 in Tel Aviv and Macedonia stunned Croatia by securing an unlikely 2-0 victory in Skopje.

Gerrard's midfield partner Frank Lampard, who returned to the starting line-up in the 1-0 victory over Austria in Vienna on Friday, insisted that the players will not let the country down as they bid to make next summer's finals.

Lampard, who will win his 60th cap at Wembley, said: 'We always perform best when it absolutely matters. When the big games have come up we have tended to perform — especially in the ones when we have needed to qualify for major championships.

'If we can come through it, we have to go to the championships with real confidence. There have been times when England have qualified and got knocked out in the early stages. Maybe this time we might sneak through and go even further.'

Talk of England lifting the trophy next summer is a little premature after a turbulent qualifying campaign under Steve McClaren and Croatia, who beat England so easily in Zagreb last year, will be formidable opponents.

Bilic admitted that his players were 'drained physically' from Saturday and added: 'Wembley will be a great test for us.' But McClaren is guarding against complacency by demanding victory, not just a draw.

He was No 2 under Sven Goran Eriksson when David Beckham's stunning free-kick against Greece in the 94th minute guaranteed their place in the 2002 World Cup Finals.

England's head coach said: 'Greece had nothing to play for and it was another of those nerve-racking moments you will never forget. It was the last kick of injury time and I hope it doesn't come to that, but that is how dangerous Croatia can be on Wednesday.

'We are going to go through it again, but this is a position we want to be in. It's the first thing I am going to stress to the players, but the mood among them — judging by the messages we have received — is one of great determination. It is back in our hands.'

Tottenham striker Darren Bent has been added to the squad after Michael Owen was ruled out with a thigh strain, while Owen Hargreaves is available after overcoming tendinitis.

Russia boss Guus Hiddink, whose side face whipping boys Andorra on Wednesday, spiced up the England game by saying: 'I expect Croatia to win. I expect them to show their commitment and their quality. You have to dare to play at Wembley and you have to dare to win.'

A defiant McClaren added: 'People can say "lifeline" or "lucky", but the campaign is over 12 games. We knew this was going to be a crunch weekend. We have to deliver on Wednesday. I don't want to make any excuses, but injuries are reasons. We always have a saying in football, one that I really believe in, that if you stay in the game long enough and you are positive and have belief in yourself and the players, eventually it will turn.

'It turned at the weekend, but it is not finished. There are no excuses now. We are in control and have to get the job done.'