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England Needs Israel to Beat Russia

by Alexander Banks on Thursday, November 15th, 2007

For England to qualify for Euro 2008 they will need Israel to beat Russia on Saturday in Tel Aviv. A win for Russia would put them through in Group E and pretty much end the hopes of England who takes on Croatia next week at Wembley.

England midfielder Steven Gerrard is definitely cheering for Israel. "I'll be Israel's biggest supporter on Saturday," he said, "I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your team, praying they will beat Russia — that would be great for England," The problem for England and for Israel is that they will be missing one of their star players. Captain Yossi Benayoun, Gerrard’s teammate with Liverpool will not play.

"Israel's home record is excellent, especially against top rank sides," Gerrard said, "It's not good to have to depend on Israel, but that's the way it is. If we are eliminated from the European championship it would be very disappointing, especially for our fantastic supporters. They don't deserve that."

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Russia coach Guus Hiddink has said that England does not deserve to qualify for Euro 2008. "If we analyze this group and the teams, then England do not deserve to qualify. Russia have been consistent," Hiddink said. Russia beat England 2-1 last month in the key game of the group. "I am calm and relaxed.” Hiddink said, “We know that if we win then we will qualify for Euro 2008. It is as simple as that. It's in our own hands. I am not worried. I am fully focused. For me, this is the equivalent of a World Cup final. We have been through so much in this group as a country that it would be impossible for us to fail in Israel. If we analyze this group and the teams, then England do not deserve to qualify. Russia have been consistent."

England coach Steve McClaren could be out of a job if the English fail to make Euro 2008. Gerrard though believes that McClaren deserves to keep his job. "I'm certainly backing the manager," Gerrard said, "I've got a lot of faith in him, I've enjoyed working with him and speaking to the other players I'm sure they feel the same.”

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