Benayoun urged to rescue England

Liverpool duo Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard have told team-mate Yossi Benayoun to restore England’s hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008. England need Benayoun to help Israel to beat or draw with Russia on 17 November to stand a realistic chance of reaching the finals in Austria and Switzerland.

“Me and Stevie have been getting into him,” Crouch told his club’s website.

“We’re trying to keep him fresh for the Israel game. Hopefully he will do us a job against Russia.”

England 3-0 Israel

England produced an inspired display to brush aside Israel in their Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley. A sidefooted Shaun Wright-Phillips volley from Joe Cole’s slanted cross to the far post put England ahead as they took command of the tie.

Michael Owen swivelled on the spot and brilliantly unleashed a precise 18-yard strike to extend the home side’s lead.

Israel did not even force a save out of keeper Paul Robinson as Micah Richards headed in a corner to complete the win.

The relief at the end of the game was in stark contrast to the jangling nerves beforehand.

Gerrard fit for Israel qualifier

England midfielder Steven Gerrard has been passed fit for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel at Wembley on Saturday. The Liverpool skipper has been doubtful with a broken toe, but coach Steve McClaren confirmed he will start.

McClaren also said under-fire keeper Paul Robinson will play despite his mistake against Germany in August.

But Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves will have a fitness test on Saturday on his thigh problem.

McClaren confirmed Gerrard has come through training without any troubles, but will wait until Saturday for a decision on Hargreaves.

He said: “It will be a big boost for everyone but most of all it will be a boost for Stevie Gerrard because he wants to play in this game.

Heskey raring to go as Owen reunion looms

Emile Heskey insists he never gave up hope of earning an England recall as he relishes the prospect of resuming his partnership with Michael Owen.

Heskey could make his first appearance since the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal in Saturday’s qualifier for the 2008 tournament against Israel, after being called into the squad this week by Steve McClaren.

Owen has always sung the praises of Heskey and he has scored 11 times in 12 starts alongside him - including his hat-trick in the 5-1 demolition of Germany in Munich in 2001.

England wait on Hargreaves injury

England boss Steve McClaren has confirmed midfielder Owen Hargreaves is a doubt for Saturday’s Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel at Wembley. Hargreaves missed training on Wednesday with a thigh injury and is struggling along with Steven Gerrard, while Frank Lapmard and David Beckham are out.

“Thankfully a scan only revealed a small problem,” said McClaren.

“We’re still hoping he will be available for Saturday, and he is definitely not ruled out.”

He added: “We’ll give Owen as much time as we can before making a decision.

“He’s a determined character and we know that he really wants to play. Naturally, we won’t take any unnecessary risks with him though.”

The Manchester United player was recently sidleined for his club with tendonitis and has yet to play two games in a week following his £18m summer switch to Old Trafford from Bayern Munich.

England call up defender Lescott

Everton defender Joleon Lescott has been called up to England’s squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel on Saturday and Russia four days later. England boss Steve McClaren made the decision after Portsmouth’s Sol Campbell pulled out through injury.

And Chelsea’s Frank Lampard is almost certain to miss England’s games, while McClaren called up Wigan striker Emile Heskey into his squad on Sunday.

McClaren remains confident Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard will be fit.

Birmingham-born Lescott has been key to Everton’s good start to the new Premier League season.

And McClaren told the FA website: “”Joleon has been looking very solid for Everton this season, and has also scored a couple of goals, too.