Gerrard has faith in Israel

Steven Gerrard insists he is feeling 'positive' about Israel's chances of getting a result against Russia on Saturday.

Gerrard upbeat about Israel's chances against Russia

England's destiny will be back in their own hands if Israel can stop Russia in the Euro 2008 qualifying match, and Gerrard says he believes they have a good chance after talking to his Liverpool team-mate Yossi Benayoun.

"I'll watch the game," he said. "I'll probably have no fingernails afterwards, but I'll certainly be watching it with my fingers crossed and hopefully Israel will get the result we want.

"Russia are in for a difficult game over there. We had a difficult experience in Tel Aviv. We came up against a very organised team who were difficult to break down.

"We are hoping they approach the game in a similar fashion against Russia. I wouldn't say the odds were against. They are the home team, have a good record at home.

"I've been speaking to Yossi Benayoun a lot of late and he has been talking me through some of their tactics and how they will approach it and he seemed really positive - and I'm positive myself."