England may defy Reds on Gerrard

England v Israel

Wembley Stadium

Saturday, 8 September

Kick-off: 1700

England have not ruled out the possibility of giving Steven Gerrard an injection so he can play in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel.

Gerrard has a broken toe and Reds boss Rafa Benitez says he does not want the influential midfielder to have a jab.

But England coach Steve McClaren says Gerrard is keen to play on Saturday and will have an injection if necessary.

"We're leaving it as late as possible but we want Steven on the field and we want him ready to play," said McClaren.

News conference: England boss Steve McClaren

"We will liaise with Liverpool and we will do nothing to put the player at risk, but we will also go a lot on how Steven feels and what he wants."

Gerrard had an injection to enable him to play for Liverpool against Chelsea on 19 August and Benitez said it took him "four or five" days to get over it.

McClaren insisted he would not do anything that would have a long-term negative effect on Gerrard, but his main concern at the moment is beating Israel.

That means he is prepared to risk losing Gerrard for the game against Russia on Wednesday by playing him on Saturday.

And the England boss said there were plenty of precedents for giving him a jab.

"You look and in some cases, if there's no great risk, then fine," said the England coach.

Frank Lampard is having intensive treatment with Chelsea and we have said he might have a chance of playing in the second game

England boss Steve McClaren

"John Terry and Frank Lampard had broken toes in pre-season and were taking injections.

"I have known it at club level where it would be just too painful to play (without the injection) but there's no risk of further injury if you have one."

McClaren's midfield options are limited because England regular Lampard is definitely out of the Israel game because of a thigh injury.

It was expected he would definitely miss the Russia game as well but it now appears his injury is not as serious as first thought.

"Frank is having intensive treatment with Chelsea and we have said he might have a chance of playing in the second game," said McClaren.

"It is still a far-out possibility at this moment but he is doing everything he can to be available."

Everton defender Joleon Lescott took part in his first England training session on Tuesday, while recalled striker Emile Heskey was involved for the first time in three years.

Israel squad for Euro 2008 qualifier against England on 8 September at Wembley:
Aouate, Davidovitch, Strauber, Ben Haim, Benado, Gershon, Ziv, Sprungin, Saban, Strul, Antebi, Benayoun, Badier, Alberman, Tal, Zandberg, Yamuz, Itzhaki, Golan, Balili, Collauti, Barda, Katan.

From : BBC Sports