The Wembley clash could prove vital to the outcome of Group E with second-placed Russia a point ahead of Steve McClaren's men.

Croatia lead the way - they are two points clear of the Russians - and will expect to pick up another three points when they visit Andorra.

Most of the focus will be on the England-Russia encounter, however, and Chelsea defender Terry is expecting England to rise to the occasion following their impressive 3-0 defeat of Israel on Saturday.

He said: "The pressure of the vital games certainly does that for us.

"We now come into this game against a Russia side who are very attacking, quick going forwards and it is going to be very tough.

"It was the game plan to put Israel right on the back foot, not to give them any time to play and we did not give them any chance to settle in - that will be the same again tonight.

"Once we get this one out of the way and hopefully with the three points, things will be looking good."

Russia coach Guus Hiddink insists he has no regrets about watching tonight's game from the visitors' bench instead of leading out the England team.

The Dutchman was a strong candidate to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson when it emerged before last year's World Cup finals that the Swede would soon be stepping down.

Hiddink confirmed a "slight approach" had been made by the Football Association, who eventually elevated Eriksson's assistant Steve McClaren to the post.

But he insisted the Russians had been keener to recruit him and added he had no regrets ahead of tonight's clash.

He said: "At that time there was a slight approach but I was already in contact with the Russian federation as well.

"It was very honourable at that time to hear that but I had given my word to the Russian federation. I don't regret it.

"And it is not for that fact that it is a special game - it is always special to play in England. When you can play at Wembley it is always special."

Hiddink vowed to make changes from the side that beat FYR Macedonia 3-0 on Saturday despite finishing the match with 10 players.

The Dutchman opted to use three forwards with attacking midfielders in support but will certainly be more cautious against England.

One change will be in goal as Vladimir Gabulov is suspended following his red card at the weekend.

Vyacheslav Malafeev, who replaced him and saved a penalty with his first touch, will be hoping to start.

Croatia beat Estonia 2-0 at the weekend and coach Slaven Bilic believes his men are inching ever closer to the finals.

"We are hoping that Russia and England draw, but really we need only look at our own games," Bilic said.

"We are 90% secure. If we beat Andorra and Israel, I think we are definitely in. Likewise, one blunder and we can drop the ball completely."

The other game in the pool sees Macedonia host Estonia in a game which has little bearing on the top two spots.