England goalkeeper Paul Robinson made two mistakes, and Croatia won 2-0 Wednesday to be part of a four-team tie atop Group E of European Championship qualifying.

Eduardo da Silva, a naturalized Brazilian, scored in the 61st minute with a looping header on a cross from Niko Kovac that caught Robinson off his line and helped end England's run of six straight shutouts.

Eight minutes later, Gary Neville aimed a simple back pass to Robinson, but the ball skipped over his foot as he attempted a clearance and rolled into the unguarded net.

Croatia, England, Macedonia and Israel lead the group with seven points, but Croatia and Israel have played a game less.

The win stretched Croatia's unbeaten streak at home in qualifying matches to 30.

Mladen Petric, who scored four goals in Croatia's last qualifier against Andorra, shot wide in the first chance of the match. Da Silva's low shot soon after was held by Robinson.

Ashley Cole and Wayne Rooney sent crosses over in the first 15 minutes, but Peter Crouch couldn't connect on them. While Frank Lampard couldn't control the ball after another clever pass from Rooney.

Croatia's best chance came moments later after Milan Rapaic crossed but Niko Kranjcar's close-range volley was well saved down low by Robinson.

Rapaic was galvanized and continued to threaten England with strong runs, crosses and shots.

Robinson saved well on a long free kick from Rapaic, before punching away a shot by Kranjcar.

England's formation had been changed from 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2, but Croatia's crowded midfield kept Rooney and Crouch isolated and enabled it to quickly counter-attack.

Neville often crossed from the right flank toward Rooney, who scored his last competitive goal for England at Euro 2004, but Croatia's tall defence was always able to clear.

Rooney had his best chance when he lost a defender in the 54th, but his drive flew over the crossbar.

Da Silva then scored and Luka Modric and Josip Simunic had late chances to extend Croatia's lead.

© The Canadian Press, 2007