It’s no secret that England is taking a depleted squad into Saturday’s crucial Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley, and Israel knows it. The complete list of unavailable England players is as follows: David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch, Ben Foster, Ledley King, Gary Neville, Sol Campbell, Jonathan Woodgate, Wayne Bridge, Kieron Dyer, Aaron Lennon and probably Owen Hargreaves. That’s 13 players for those counting.
Meanwhile, the Israeli players, whose team currently sits ahead of England in second place in Euro 2008 Qualifying Group E, smell blood. “If we get a victory it will be talked about for 100 years,” said Israel captain and Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun. “They’re under pressure and we can do it.” Unlike England, Israel has just one injury doubt for the match, though he’s a big one: Roberto Colautti, the Argentine-born striker who’s Israel’s top scorer with six goals in the tournament.
In the absence of so many of its regulars, England is likely to start with Steven Gerrard, Michael Carrick, Gareth Barry and Joe Cole in midfield, with Michael Owen and surprise call-up Emile Heskey up top. The Wigan striker hasn’t yet played for Steve McClaren’s England, and admits he was surprised to get the call. “I was a bit surprised, but delighted,” he said. Still the quality and everything is here…I’d never given up hope of a recall but…we’ve got so many good players coming through at the minute so [the coach has] got to pick from a lot.”