Russia coach Guus Hiddink denied he was out-thought by England rival Steve McClaren in last night's 3-0 reverse.

Hiddink, who maintains that he can still pip England to the post and qualify for next summer's finals, said: "This has been a good lesson for us in being effective. We played well until we got near their area, but we didn't have enough to frighten England in the end.

"They are now ahead, but the decision is not made over who will qualify. We have England in Moscow next month and they still have to play Croatia.

"It's tight, but it will only be decided at the end.

"If we had been outplayed by England and we hadn't shown the intention to create chances, there would be a problem.

"In that sense, I remain positive."