The Rumour Mill: Israel aim for shock victory

Israel captain Yossi Benayoun knows his side could write themselves into football folklore should they pull off a shock victory over England on Saturday.

The Israelis are second in Euro 2008 qualifying Group E, level on points with leaders Croatia, but having played a match more than England.

"We know England are favourites, they are better than us so any result less than a win for England will be a surprise to everyone, especially me," he said.

Manchester City's Micah Richards wants to earn the same respect as his footballing heroes Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane. Richards was a big fan of the pair and the way they stamped their authority on a game.

"Keane and Vieira were great box-to-box players. They were also intimidating and if you go into a tackle with a bit of venom you find you get a bit more respect from players."

THE SUN: Owen Hargreaves threw England's Euro 2008 plans into further chaos when he was sent for a scan on a damaged thigh. The Manchester United midfielder was set to start against Israel on Saturday but has now become a major cause for concern.

DAILY MIRROR: Beleagured England boss Steve McClaren was boosted by the sight of Steven Gerrard flying through a training session, then came down to earth with a hump as Owen Hargreaves was taken for a scan on his problem thigh.

DAILY MAIL: England's Euro 2008 campaign suffered another major setback last night when Owen Hargreaves became the latest player to be struck down by injury. The Manchester United midfielder limped out of yesterday's training session at London Colney with a thigh strain which required a scan. Also: Dimitri Mascarenhas produced a brilliant cameo off Yuvraj Singh's final over for England against India at The Oval yesterday - but still finished on the losing side.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Even when the sun comes out for Steve McClaren, a cloud swiftly follows. Just as Steven Gerrard comes through England training successfully yesterday Owen Hargreaves is whisked off for a scan on his thigh and is doubtful for Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier with Israel at Wembley.

DAILY EXPRESS: England manager Steve McClaren will now pin his hopes on Gerrard providing the inspiration in England's patched-up midfield as they seek to get their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign back on track after Owen Hargreaves handed England a fresh injury nightmare.

DAILY STAR: Gareth Barry has been put on standby to replace the doubtful Owen Hargreaves as Steve McClaren's injury nightmare deepened last night when Hargreaves was ruled out of the crunch clash with Israel.