Phil Neville admits England's players are 'embarrassed' that a Euro 2008 place has not already been secured.
England utility man still hoping for qualification
Phil Neville admits England's players are 'embarrassed' that qualification for Euro 2008 has not already been secured.
England are banking on a favour from Israel against Russia in order to avoid missing out on a major tournament for only the second time in 24 years.
Everton captain Neville acknowledges the early performances in the group have left England in their current position, but is hoping Israel can get a result against Russia.
"I think we're hurt, I think we're a little bit embarrassed that we've not wrapped it up," Neville told
Sky Sports News.
No luck
"We should be going into this (Croatia) game in a celebratory mode, but we're not and we've got to deal with the situation.
"We probably haven't performed. We didn't perform in the first year of the group stage matches like we did in the second part of the year and that's cost us.
"We've got to accept that now, and just hope. We've not had too much luck recently and we need a bit of luck on Saturday. If we get that I think the Croatia game will look after itself."
The versatile Neville remains convinced that Russia will slip up in Israel and expects an 'electric' atmosphere at Wembley next Wednesday, if England need to beat Croatia to clinch qualification.
Hoping and praying
He added: "I don't think there is a worse situation in football than not having the situation in your own hands.
"It's out of our own grasp now and we have just got to hope and pray that Israel do us a favour, or Macedonia do us a favour. I'm of the firm belief they will do us a favour.
"I've been thinking long and hard about next Wednesday's game and it could be one of the greatest occasions in English football for a long time.
"That atmosphere next week, if we need three points to go through, will be electric. We won't need any motivation. I just hope we get a bit of luck to go into that game to still be in contention to go to the Euros."
