McClaren: Wants win

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England go into their Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel on Saturday having been hit by chronic injury problems, but manager Steve McClaren knows anything less than victory is inconceivable.

McClaren's side are currently flailing in fourth in Group E, three points behind second placed Israel, and a first victory at the new Wembley is a must.

Israel, though, will also be desperate for the points as they bid to secure their place at the finals of a major international tournament for the first time since 1970.

Before drawing his battle plans McClaren was well aware he would be without star striker Wayne Rooney and the experienced heads of David Beckham and Gary Neville, who are all missing with injury, but the England boss has also been robbed of other key members of his first XI.

Fitness doubts

Frank Lampard (thigh) and Peter Crouch (suspension) are both definitely out, while fitness doubts remain over the central midfield pairing of Steven Gerrard (toe) and Owen Hargreaves (knee).

Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry is rumoured to be in line for a starting role in the possible absence of either Gerrard or Hargreaves, while Micah Richards is expected to continue to deputise for Gary Neville at right-back.

Shaun Wright-Phillips looks set to be rewarded for his confident start to the season for Chelsea with a place on the right of midfield.

An experienced boost for McClaren is that Michael Owen is fit to start up front and the Newcastle man rarely fails to deliver on the big occasion, while Joe Cole, who is ever reliable in an England shirt, should continue to play an effective role on the left.

With Crouch missing, Emile Heskey is expected to return from the international wilderness to partner Owen in attack.

Physical presence

The Wigan striker has his critics, but his power and physical presence make an ideal foil for Owen's poaching instincts and an international partnership goal scoring record of 14 goals from 12 starts speaks for itself.

David Bentley, Joleon Lescott and Ashley Young should be on the bench after receiving their first senior squad call-ups.

Meanwhile, Israel will be looking to mirror, if not improve on, the 0-0 home draw they achieved against England in March.

Israel only trail group leaders Croatia on a head-to-head record, but they have played one game more than their main qualification rivals and will therefore be keen to avoid defeat.

Manager Dror Kashtan will welcome back Ygal Antebi and Klemi Saban to reinforce the defence, while midfielder Michael Zandberg and forwards Yaniv Katan, Pini Balali and Elyaniv Barda also return to the international fold after missing recent fixtures.

Israel are also likely to expect big performances from the Premier League- based duo of Tal Ben Haim and Yossi Benayoun as the Chelsea defender and Liverpool playmaker look to put one over on their respective club team-mates.