2008 Euro qualifying Group E match previews: England vs Israel and two picnics

by Foolsgold

England vs Israel, 1200 EST New Wembley - London

It's no secret that England are in a world of trouble. That draw at home versus Macedonia last October is really coming back to haunt them. If they had 16 points instead of 14, they would be one point behind Saturday's opponent Israel with a game-in-hand. Unfortunately they haven't invented time machines yet so tomorrow they have to win or virtually kiss their Euro qualifying hopes good-bye.

The good news is that they'll have their best player back from injury, Steven Gerrard, though it's unclear how effective he'll be. The bad news is they won't have David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville, and probably Owen Hargreaves due to injury. They also won't have Jamie Carragher because he was tired of being McClaren's boy-toy and Peter Crouch due to suspension. Though that is a long absentee list, they still have a decent squad to compliment Gerrard headed by captain John Terry, Michael Owen, Joe Cole, and Micah Richards. Why Paul 'Robbo Crap' Robinson is starting in goal, only McClaren and his crack dealer know.

Israel is at full strength and have a predominantly home-based side with the exceptions being Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun, Chelsea's Tal Ben Haim, Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Roberto Colautti and Deportivo La Coruña keeper Dudu Awat. Basically that means they know each other's game and know how to play with one another, something England tends to fail at. I sort of think Israel will be happy with a draw here, but you never know. Having played one more game than the rest of the group that matters, a win here would be crucial to their advancing effort.

The bottom line is England has to score, and outside of Gerrard, they are lacking serious threats in that department. Normally I would say Owen has a shot at shaking the net, but I'm not sure if he's ever going to capture his world class form of his later Liverpool years. I do know one thing though, if Emile Heskey makes the pitch, McClaren should be replaced immediately. Here's to a rather boring match and a 2-0 win for the Three Lions, only because of an inspirational performance from Wes Brown. Yes, that's a joke.

Russia vs. FYR Macedonia, 1100 EST Lokomotiv Stadium - Moscow

Croatia vs. Estonia, 1230 EST Maksimir - Zagreb

This may be the 'Group of Death', but it's only because of the top four. The other three teams are virtual push-overs. Both the home sides will win these matches and relatively easily.

Originally posted here