Steve McClaren has received a welcome boost in his preparations for the weekend’s crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel. Steven Gerrard has now been passed fit to start the game at the new Wembley stadium. The Liverpool captain had been doubtful for the past couple of weeks as he struggled with a broken toe. However, it has now been confirmed he will start the game. Still uncertain is the fitness of fellow midfielder Owen Hargreaves who will have a late test on Saturday to decide whether he plays.

Hargreaves picked up a small thigh injury on Wednesday which led to him sitting out of part of Friday’s training session. The Manchester United midfielder sat out for formation and set play training as an extra precaution to prepare him for Saturday’s fixture. England are already without Frank Lampard and David Beckham so will be looking to the above experienced duo to get the job done.