England’s injury-hit squad face their biggest game under Steve McClaren this Saturday as they host Israel at Wembley. Click here for the latest betting.

England have received a boost with the news that midfielder Steven Gerrard has been passed fit for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel at Wembley on Saturday.

The Liverpool skipper had been suffering with a broken toe, but coach Steve McClaren confirmed he will start.

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

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.

“Owen Hargreaves also wants to play every game and we’re giving him every opportunity, but we’ll leave it up to the player and the medics.”

England skipper John Terry admitted Hargreaves was a concern after he had to withdraw from Friday’s training session.

“He was on the sidelines watching what we were doing formation-wise and for set-plays,” said Terry. “It was an idea to make sure he was fully OK and to give him another day’s rest.

“It’s touch and go whether he is going to be OK for the game.”


England’s injury-hit squad face their biggest game under Steve McClaren this Saturday as they host Israel at Wembley. Click here for the latest betting.