If England qualifies for Euro 2008 next summer, the FA should arrange cash prizes, not for Steven Gerrard and company but for the unheralded Israeli team which has played a major part in providing Steve Mclaren’s men the perfect boost ahead of wednesday’s critical encounter with Croatia at Wembley.
But, the person who would be indebted to the Israelis is none other than the England manager Steve Mclaren. Had Israel lost to the Russians in Tel Aviv, the former Middlesbourough and assistant England coach would surely have got the sack. But the 2-1 Israel win over an under-par Russian side at the Ramat Gan stadium in addition to Croatia’s stunning surrender at the hands of Macedonia provides the Three Lions the cushion of a draw to pip Guus Hiddink’s boys with Croatia already ensured of qualification by Russia’s defeat.
With Israel answering the prayers of the English fans, it is now upto the highly-paid English players to finish off the job in London. But the game will be far from easy. With the likes of Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen (injured in Friday’s inconsequential friendly against Austria) missing from the starting line-up, the England attack seems highly depleted. It is now upto the tall Peter Crouch, who scored the winning goal in Austria, to deliver the goods against the determined Croatians. England would definitely miss the services of the injured talismanic skipper John Terry at the backline.
But take this for granted, there would be no shortage of inspiration particularly with one player, David Beckham. With England’s Euro chances hanging in the balance before Israel’s heroics, the LA Galaxy and former England captain would have wondered whether he could reach the century-appearance mark for England. But that milestone is back on track with the increase of English chances to participate in next year’s soccer carnival high up in the Alps in Austria and Switzerland.
But the job must be finished first on wednesday. Steven Gerrard and David Beckham must play dominant roles in the middle of the park to blunt Slaven Bilic’s organised midfield which has played such important roles in feeding Brazilian-born Arsenal striker Eduardo to devastating effects in previous matches, not to mention the Zagreb clash which the Croatians deservedly won. One thing fresh in English fans’ memories is that their team thrives on big occasions and the experience of the likes of David Beckham and Steven Gerrard on such high-pressure matches would come in handy.
Source: Dailymail
