Israel vs England betting tips

It's almost inconceivable to imagine England not reaching the Euro 2008 Finals. But, following a five-month break, the time has come for Steve McClaren's men to start to show what they're made of, as a crucial period in their qualification campaign commences against Israel in Tel-Aviv on Saturday. The Three Lions are still long odds-on to qualify from Group E - Coral make them and Croatia 2/9 to sail through - but England have found themselves in a far more precarious position at this stage than they might have anticipated. Indeed, their failure to overcome Macedonia in front of a 72,062-strong crowd at Old Trafford in October was followed by a 2-0 defeat against Croatia in Zagreb. Losing to the Croats is no disgrace, as they're a decent side, but for a team of England's strength in depth it was a woeful performance. It pains me to say it, but if they do no play better - i.e. with more cohesion, and in a more incisive fashion - on Saturday, then it's not beyond the realms of possibility that McClaren and the squad will leave the Ramat Gan stadium with their tails between their legs. Israel is not a country synonymous with their footballing prowess. However, Dror Kashtan and his charges have nothing to land fear from England based on recent performances. Israel, who will be galvanised by their star turn, West Ham playmaker Yossi Benayoun, have acquitted themselves creditably in each of their four qualification matches to date, scoring an impressive nine times in the process. Victories against Andorra and Estonia, a draw against Russia and a 3-4 defeat at the hands of Croatia, in which they lost absolutely no caste, amounts to more than enough proof that Israel are nobody's mugs. Indeed, that narrow defeat against the Croats was the first reverse inflicted on the Israelis on home soil in a competitive match for eight years. They should not be underestimated. McClaren has had to improvise with his squad for this fixture as the recent flux of Premiership and FA Cup matches has claimed some players that were set to travel. The ex Boro boss has added Luke Young, Gareth Barry and David Nugent to his travelling band at a late stage to fill the gaps. But these are quality players we are talking about and there will certainly be no excuses on Saturday. Andy Johnson looks set to start up front with the 'boy wonder', Wayne Rooney, while Spurs winger Aaron Lennon looks poised to make the starting XI for the national team for the first time. And rightly so, for Lennon offers a much-needed injection of pace into the side and, if on song, will terrorise whichever player Kashtan opts to pitch in at right back. Looking at the two likely line-ups, it seems ridiculous to have any reservations whatsoever about England coming out on top - and doing so decisively. But until McClaren can demonstrate through results that he has succeeded where his recent predecessors have failed - that is to instil unity into the team, so that they are playing for each other, rather than for themselves - one has to take a measured view. For betting purposes, this match is tricky. Israel are an attack-minded side and, with the home fans behind them, I doubt they'll be overly respectful of the visitors' perceived superiority and I reckon they'll give this a good go, however. As such, there's a good chance that we'll be treated to something of a goal feast. If I were put on the spot, I'd say England will win. But that's not a dogmatic prediction, and I am not going to be putting many where my mouth is in that respect. But I will be making an investment on 4+ in the total goals market at 7/2 with Sporting Odds. I envisage Israel scoring a goal, perhaps two, but they will leave themselves vulnerable at the back through their offensive endeavour, and it'll be mightily disappointing if England can't capitalise by nicking a few goals. Verdict - 2pts 4+ in the total goals market @ 7/2 (Sporting Odds)