Croatia would be happy with Wembley draw, says Bilic

LONDON, Nov 18 (Reuters) Croatia coach Slaven Bilic said his team would be happy with a draw against England at Wembley yesterday, a result that would send the home side to Euro 2008 alongside their opponents.

Israel's upset 2-1 win over Russia on Saturday sent Croatia through and left England needing a point to join them in Austria and Switzerland next year.

A draw in their final qualifier would be enough for Croatia to secure top spot in Group E.

''Nobody is favourite when they play away against England so we would be happy for a point,'' Bilic told BBC Radio. ''A point at Wembley is always a good result but you can't play for a draw.

''It is a big match. It is every player's dream to play at Wembley and we will do everything we can to represent our country in the best possible way.

''We are coming to Wembley to play a serious game. We are going to play our normal game.'' Bilic also praised England manager Steve McClaren, who was under huge pressure before yesterday's results changed his situation.

''He has got what he wanted and he deserves it but Steve McClaren is extremely unlucky in every game he plays because he is missing three or four important players with injury,'' said Bilic.

REUTERS AB VC2042