Steve McClaren saluted the brilliant finishing of Michael Owen as England boosted their hopes of European Championship qualification on a frenetic night at Wembley.

Owen followed up his fabulous strike in the win against Israel on Saturday with two more as England recorded an impressive 3-0 victory against Russia to ease them into second place behind Croatia in Group E.

The goals took Owen up to the 40 mark for England, just nine behind the record held by Sir Bobby Charlton.

And while Rio Ferdinand added a late third, McClaren said: ''Never write Michael Owen off. He was always going to be important for us. He looks fitter and sharper. Not just his goals, but his all-round play.

''His partnership with Emile Heskey has really worked over the last two games.'' McClaren, however, whose team must face Russia on a plastic pitch in Moscow next month, warned his side to guard against complacency.

He said: ''We wanted six points but I'm greatly satisfied by the performance of individuals and the team. We'll celebrate the win but we know there are still three games to go and we can get better.

''We had spells were we weren't dominant. We were poor at times but we scored at the right times.'' McClaren now has the task of deciding whether to stick with his winning team or drafting back David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Owen Hargreaves when fit.

''We'll reflect on that and look at the game,'' said McClaren.

''We've got to enjoy it but got to keep our feet on the ground. We've set a marker, a standard and we've got to continue with that.

''Six points were vital. It didn't matter how, whether it was scrappy one-nils, but the way we got them was pleasing for me and the fans. That's how England should play.'' And there were special words for Heskey.

McClaren said: ''He's been out for three years and everybody wondered whether he would be back. But a few players performed tonight who also played well on Saturday and that's the key.

''We need to win games on the bounce and the players performed in both games exactly as they should.''