Russia coach Hiddink glad to receive 'surprise' present of England's defeat

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The result at Wembley handed Hiddink's men a lifeline which they took with a 1-0 win in Andorra to progress to next summer's finals.

Guus Hiddink is carried from the pitch by his Russia players after they qualified for Euro 2008

The former Holland coach said: "I am surprised England didn't get at least get a draw, although Croatia are a good team.

"We had two draws against Croatia, they are an experienced team, but nevertheless I am surprised they won. I have not seen the game, but it seems like conceding three goals at Wembley is a lot."

Hiddink was aware of the score at Wembley during most of his side's match, but he did not know that England had levelled at 2-2.

He said: "We had someone with a mobile who was being updated with the score, but they didn't tell me it was 2-2. At 2-1, I said: 'I don't want you to show me'. I was concentrating on the game, but the players knew."

England's failure to reach Euro 2008 was the main topic of conversation after Germany's goalless draw with Wales. "Normally England would be there, but they have had the chance to qualify and not taken it," said Bayern Munich full-back Philipp Lahm.

"If Russia have qualified ahead of them, then that must mean that they are a better team."

Germany coach Joachim Low said: "I expected England to be there. It is a shame they are not going to be."

Former England boss Graham Taylor believes a lack of experience in defence cost Steve McClaren's side last night.

He said: "Having gone 2-0 down, I was worried because we've got almost a reserve back four and goalkeeper.

"Looking at their body language, even [Sol] Campbell, who is experienced, they looked nervous - it looked like it got to them."

Former England striker Alan Shearer said: "Only Peter Crouch played anywhere near the standard expected.

"We didn't deserve to go through on that performance."