Dudu or die for England

Graham Hunter is worried that Israel goalkeeper Dudu Awat may not take Saturday's clash with Russia seriously.

Graham Hunter reckons Israel goalkeeper Dudu Awat could prove to be England's hero on Saturday, but is just as likely to be the villain. England are relying on Israel to secure at least a draw at home to Russia on Saturday night if they are to have a realistic chance of qualifying for Euro 2008, so the contribution of stopper Dudu could be key to Steve McClaren's hopes. Spanish-based journalist Hunter has watched Dudu perform heroics for his club Deportivo La Coruna on a number of occasions and rates him as one of the best in big games. But speaking to Sky Sports News, Hunter admitted he could prove to be a soft touch if Israel - who have no chance of qualifying - do not take the match seriously. He said: "Dudu has got the frame of somebody like Chris Kirkland. "He's a very big man, tremendously athletic and on big nights he pulls more out of himself than any other keeper in Spain. "He's not the best in Spain and he's not as regular as Iker Casillas or Victor Valdes. "But when he's been playing for Racing Santander or his current club Deportivo La Coruna, the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona have come up against a brick wall and very often they'll have tremendously frustrating nights. "He's a guy who could pick one of his big performances for this game against Russia and he certainly will approach it professionally. "But if Israel are downscaling the game then it's the type of game when he can have an off night and I've seen him throw one in from time to time."