Russian squad for Euro 2008 qualifier named

Photo: Russian squad for Euro 2008 qualifier named

A 19-man preliminary squad for European Championship qualifier against England was named by Russian coach Guus Hiddink.

Hiddink dropped Udinese midfielder Viktor Budyanskiy and Spartak Moscow half back Vladimir Bystrov from the 23-man squad named for matches in September.

The list, however, can be extended after Russian league matches this weekend.

The team's first practice is scheduled for Wednesday. Russia, which is idle on Oct. 13 when England hosts Estonia, will have a week to prepare for the crucial match against the English.

Russia is third in Group E with 18 points from nine matches, two points behind England. Croatia leads the standings with 23 points.

To qualify for the Euro 2008 tournament in Switzerland and Austria, Russia must win its remaining three matches against England, Israel and Andorra.