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.

Owen Hargreaves is the latest injury concern for England coach Steve McClaren ahead of Saturday’s Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel at Wembley.

The Manchester United midfielder is a doubt for Saturday’s crucial qualifier after picking up a thigh injury.

England are already without midfield duo Frank Lampard and David Beckham while there remains a doubt over Steven Gerrard, although the Liverpool skipper returned to training on Wednesday.

“Steven Gerrard played a part in training,” said an FA statement on Wednesday.

“He will be continually assessed by the England medical staff and a decision on his fitness for Saturday’s game will be taken later in the week.”

McClaren added: “We’re leaving it as late as possible but we want Steven on the field and we want him ready to play.

“We will liaise with Liverpool and we will do nothing to put the player at risk, but we will also go a lot on how Steven feels and what he wants.”

Hargreaves, who has previously been troubled by tendonitis in the knee, has yet to play two games in a week following his £18m summer move to United from Bayern Munich.

Despite being a doubt for Saturday’s game, Hargreaves has been in bullish mood about England’s qualification chances.

“It doesn’t matter where we are in the table just now,” said the 26-year-old Hargreaves.

“Croatia, Russia and Israel have done well so far but we are only halfway through the group, so we will see who is there at the end.”

“I don’t see any more anxiety around the camp for this game,” added the Manchester United midfielder.

“We know what we have to do. Israel will pull everybody behind the ball. They hardly tried to get forward when they were at home, so I don’t imagine it will be any different on Saturday.

“I am sure they will be happy with a draw but if we can take our chances early on, and score a goal or two, it could be a comfortable game for us.”


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.