England v Israel
Wembley Stadium
Saturday, 8 September
Kick-off: 1700 BST
Live coverage on BBC One, BBC Radio 5live & the BBC Sport website

England defender Rio Ferdinand has admitted it would be a "catastrophe" if Steve McClaren's side did not qualify for next year's European Championship.

Ferdinand, 28, was left out of the Euro 2000 squad and was banned four years later after his missed drugs test.

He said: "I cannot even contemplate not qualifying. If, God forbid, we failed, it would be a catastrophe.

"But four of our last five games are at home so we couldn't be in a better position. We have a great opportunity."

Interview: England defender Rio Ferdinand

Interview: England manager Steve McClaren

England have been booed during recent games as they have struggled in Group E, but Ferdinand has urged them to support the team at Wembley on Saturday.

We've proved we can play together. We complement each other's games Emile Heskey on Michael Owen

He added: "The fans pay their money to get through the doors, so they can show their frustrations in any way they want.

"But we do need them behind us on Saturday, so it is up to us to play the football to get them there."

Meanwhile, recalled striker Emile Heskey has urged McClaren to give him the chance to prove he is good enough to play for his country.

The 29-year-old Wigan hitman has been drafted in for the qualifiers against Israel and Russia after three years in the wilderness.

Heskey said: "It's been a long time. I had no idea I was under consideration by the manager and it's a great chance to show I'm good enough.

"If I get the chance I will prove it. I don't have any doubt - why should I?"

If Heskey does play, he is likely to link up with his old Liverpool and England strike partner Michael Owen.

606: DEBATE The Owen-Heskey partnership has undeniably been the most successful one we have had since a certain Mr Shearer retired Jason051984

Heskey has no doubt that he can complement Owen's game in a way that has previously proved successful at club and country level.

"Of course Michael and I are different players, there's no doubt about that," added the former Liverpool striker.

"I know how he plays and we've proved we can play together. We complement each other's games. He is a quality striker and he is there to get goals.

"We saw what kind of player he is on Saturday when he scored for Newcastle in the last minute against us.

"He has the ability to pop up from nowhere to score goals, but my strengths are in other areas of the pitch.