Benayoun plays his club football with Premiership side Liverpool

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

Israel captain Yossi Benayoun insists his side are not worried by criticism of playing a defensive game against England in their Euro 2008 qualifier.

"I don't care whether people say we are negative or not negative," he said.

"We drew with England in Israel 0-0, which was a great result for us, and I will be happy to defend again and finish with the same result.

"You don't expect us to come to Wembley to play an open game and end up being 3-0 down after 20 minutes."

Interview: England's Owen Hargreaves

News conference: England boss Steve McClaren

Israel are three points ahead of England in Group E but have played a game more.

Benayoun has helped them to 10 points from a possible 12 in four away games so far during qualifying, including a draw in Russia and wins in Estonia, Andorra and Macedonia.

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"We need to work hard in defence and work on quick attacks, hopefully steal a goal and draw or win the game," added the Liverpool midfielder.

"If we stay in the game in the first 20 to 25 minutes by defending solidly and keeping the score at 0-0 the supporters will lose their patience.

"We need to concentrate on our game and work hard. We have a few good players with a lot of quality and hopefully we will do our best."

He added: "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.

"It will be difficult to win, but I would be happy with a draw.

"If we win, it would be a result people would speak about for the next few years."

England have been hit by a spate of high-profile injuries ahead of the double header against Israel on Saturday and Russia four days later.

Steve McClaren's side were beaten in a friendly against Germany in their last game at Wembley, but Benayoun is aware of the danger England pose.

"Everyone here in England loves the national team, and there is a lot of pressure on them," said Benayoun.

"But sometimes they play against sides like Germany and Brazil, and yet they are expected to win in every game.

"Yes, the last time at Wembley they lost, but also on any given day they can win.

"I think you need to be behind them. England have a lot of good players and I am sure in the end they will be in Euro 2008 and in the final stages, so there is nothing to worry about."

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