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Benayoun eager to face England

Tuesday, 20 March 2007

by Ofer-Ronen Abelsfrom Tel-Aviv

Yossi Benayoun believes Israel "have the ability" to beat England in their UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier on Saturday, although the captain's own fitness could be key to achieving that feat.

'Very positive'
The West Ham United FC playmaker has missed the last two Premiership matches with knee ligament damage, but resumed full training upon returning home and now has high hopes of leading Israel out in Tel-Aviv against the country where he plies his trade. "It's looking very positive and I expect everything to be just right at the weekend," said Benayoun, who has scored 14 goals in 55 internationals, including two in UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying.

Realism required
Israel and England both have seven points from their first four fixtures and need to keep the pressure on Group E leaders Croatia, on ten points, and Russia, on eight. "We have to be realistic, everybody knows the standard in England is much higher than Israel with some of the best players in the world," added the 26-year-old. "But, at the national stadium, with the support of our fans, we want to win. We have the ability and we hope to be at our best and make England look bad."

England are England regardless of their recent resultsDror Kashtan

Waiting game
Dror Kashtan, the Israel coach, has been keeping a close eye on his skipper, in the hope of having him fit for this game as well as the visit of Estonia on Wednesday week. Understandably, it is the first contest that has his full attention. "England have some of the world's best players and the match will be physical and aggressive - two factors which we will prepare for during the week," he said. "England are England regardless of their recent results. They are clearly the favourites but we still intend to give them a run for their money."

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