By Alan Hansen BBC Sport football expert

One thing is certain - if things go horribly wrong against Russia, Saturday's win over Israel will be totally forgotten about.

But England are far better placed to go into Wednesday's Wembley showdown now than they were five minutes before kick-off against the Israelis.

McClaren is all smiles - but the hard work starts now for the coach

England beat a sub-standard side 3-0 at Wembley and everyone has been very complimentary ever since.

All you can do is beat what is in front of you and England did that well. They got on with their job in a professional manner and they have given the coach Steve McClaren some much-needed respite.

It will also improve the mood in the England camp and it sets them up nicely for the massive game against Guus Hiddink's side on Wednesday.

No-one will be under any illusions as to the size of the task facing England against Russia.

But McClaren himself will go into the game with added confidence. He made some big decisions on Saturday and he got them spot-on, which is so important.

This is what makes the big managers - you cannot afford to show any sentiment whatsoever

It's good news for him and the dressing room because, as a manager, when you are getting those sorts of decisions right the guys in the team will be more on your side.

McClaren now has some very difficult decisions to make regarding the set-up of his team to face Russia.

This is what makes the big managers - you cannot afford to show any sentiment whatsoever. No matter who did well on Saturday, you've got to pick the team you think is going to do best for the next match.

If you think someone can do better up front than Michael Owen and Emile Heskey, you pick them too.

Scotland face the French on Wednesday and, even though they beat them at Hampden Park last year, this one will be a much tougher task.

They are going in with confidence high and a point would be a massive result for them. They are still very much in it in a difficult group, which is great.

It was very disappointing for Northern Ireland and new manager Nigel Worthington to see them lose in Latvia on Saturday.

When you have a setback you have to try to get back on track quickly and they must go into the Iceland game looking to put things right.

Wales are playing for pride after their 2-0 defeat by Germany. They have to pick themselves up and dust themselves down once again.

Even if you cannot qualify, you are still playing for the jersey. John Toshack is an experienced manager and Wales have had some setbacks but they will bounce back.

The Republic of Ireland and their boss Steve Staunton face a massive game in Czech Republic on Wednesday after conceding a late equaliser against Slovakia.

It is fingers crossed for them and fingers crossed for all of them - let's hope Wednesday is a great night for British and Irish football.