Gerrard fractured his toe against Toulouse in the Champions League

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 have not ruled out the possibility of giving Steven Gerrard an injection so he can play in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel.

Gerrard has a broken toe and Reds boss Rafa Benitez says he does not want the influential midfielder to have a jab.

But England coach Steve McClaren says Gerrard is keen to play on Saturday and will have an injection if necessary.

"We're leaving it as late as possible but we want Steven on the field and we want him ready to play," said McClaren.

Interview: England's Owen Hargreaves

News conference: England boss Steve McClaren

"We will liaise with Liverpool and we will do nothing to put the player at risk, but we will also go a lot on how Steven feels and what he wants."

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McClaren is desperate for the midfield talisman to play, with England currently fourth in the Group E qualifying table and targeting victories over Israel and Russia to boost their hopes of winning the group.

Gerrard had an injection to enable him to play for Liverpool against Chelsea on 19 August and Benitez said it took him "four or five" days to get over it.

McClaren insisted he would not do anything that would have a long-term negative effect on Gerrard, but his main concern at the moment is beating Israel.

That means he is prepared to risk losing Gerrard for the game against Russia on Wednesday by playing him on Saturday.

And the England boss said there were plenty of precedents for giving him a jab.

"You look and in some cases, if there's no great risk, then fine," said the England coach.

Frank Lampard is having intensive treatment with Chelsea and we have said he might have a chance of playing in the second game England boss Steve McClaren

"John Terry and Frank Lampard had broken toes in pre-season and were taking injections.

"I have known it at club level where it would be just too painful to play (without the injection) but there's no risk of further injury if you have one."

McClaren's midfield options are limited because England regular Lampard is definitely out of the Israel game because of a thigh injury.

It was expected he would definitely miss the Russia game as well but it now appears his injury is not as serious as first thought.

"Frank is having intensive treatment with Chelsea and we have said he might have a chance of playing in the second game," said McClaren.

"It is still a far-out possibility at this moment but he is doing everything he can to be available."

Former England coach Glenn Hoddle cautioned McClaren from using Gerrard against Israel.

I think there is enough in the squad to beat Israel at home," Hoddle told told BBC London 94.9.

"Russia will be a tougher game - their coach Guus Hiddink is tactically astute.

"If Gerrard plays on Saturday he probably won't be fit for Russia as the inflammation and swelling will probably come two or three days after the game."

Manchester United midfield man Owen Hargreaves is confident he can play in both internationals, despite having to sit out a training session to nurse his troublesome knee injury.

He said: "I have not done played two games in a week yet this season but it has never been a problem before, so hopefully it won't be a problem now. "Sometimes you do need an injection but any time you can try and avoid it, you should.

"The medical staff have worked very hard and I have invested a lot of time to trying to get fit as well, so, so far, I have not needed it.

"At one stage I did feel as though I wouldn't be ready for the start of the season but I have completed three games now and feel good.

"I know I missed training on Tuesday but sometimes you can do too much."

Israel squad for Euro 2008 qualifier against England on 8 September at Wembley: