The Tel Aviv threat that could ambush England
Israel can boast an impressive home record, having lost just three of their 23 World Cup and European Championship qualifiers since 1996.
Significantly, though, they lost their most recent home Euro 2008 tie — 4-3 to Croatia in November last year.
THREE KEY MEN
DUDU AWAT (keeper, 29, 19 caps)
The Israelis expect their keeper to have a busy night, but Awat is a class act. He made his name at Racing Santander and has since secured a move to Deportivo.
Rated as one of the best keepers in Spain.
TAL BEN HAIM (centre back, 24, 26 caps)
The Bolton defender is still expected to secure his move to Chelsea in the summer, but on Saturday night all that will will concern him is keeping Wayne Rooney quiet.
That will be a tall order as the Manchester United striker scored two in a 4-1 win over Bolton last week and a hat-trick in United's 4-0 win at the Reebok.
YOSSI BENAYOUN (midfielder, 26, 49 caps)
Proved he can unlock Premiership defences and can score wonder goals. Hasn't hit the heights with West Ham this season, but he is the most creative player in the Israeli side.
Considered committed enough to be Israel's captain, but West Ham fans might have something to say about that after recent performances.
TACTICS
Beating England would be Israeli football's biggest result, but coach Dror Kashtan knows the size of the task. Don't expect his team to stretch the visitors at every opportunity.
They could well match England's rigid formation and will sit back hoping to catch Steve McClaren's side on the break.
