5 September 2007
VIDEO: Owen Hargreaves pre-Israel
Owen Hargreaves looks forward to the Euro 2008 Qualifier against Israel and is confident England can win.
England v Israel
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
5pm, Saturday 8 September 2007
Wembley Stadium
Live on BBC1

Owen Hargreaves is backing England to beat Israel on Saturday by grabbing an early goal at Wembley - and then building on that to force home their advantage.

The Manchester United midfielder is in confident mood ahead of the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier and believes England's players are ready to put in a quality performance.

The Three Lions drew 0-0 away to Israel earlier in the qualifying campaign after failing to convert their many chances on that occasion, but this time they expect better.

"We want to play well, we want to score goals and we want to keep clean sheets,” said Hargreaves. “If you look at the match in Israel we completely dominated the game. They did not have a shot really.

"That was a home game for them, so I expect Saturday to be very similar. If we can get an early goal I think it will be very comfortable for us.

"I don't think they will throw people forward. They will get everyone behind the ball. An early goal will force them to open up and then hopefully we can get more.

“We're very confident. The preparations are good, the mood in the camp is very good. We have had one session this morning doing set pieces and we will do a bit more this afternoon. It has gone well so far."

Hargreaves knows it is vital that England pick up three points, but having played for Bayern Munich and now Manchester United, he is more than used to dealing with pressure.

“Every home game for England is must-win," he added. "We are expected to win both games and we have the players to achieve that. They will try to defend for their lives. They will get everyone behind the ball. Hopefully we can get an early goal and then a few more.”

With Steven Gerrard battling to recover from a broken toe in time to face Israel, Hargreaves' experience could be crucial on Saturday. But he expects England to be good enough to win no matter who is available to play.

"A healthy Stevie G is something the whole squad will benefit from. Hopefully he will be fit for Saturday," he said.

"But we definitely have enough depth to win these two games. The squad is very good and there is a lot of talent. Although we don't have all our best players available, we just have to get on with it.

"We will try to get three points from Israel and then look towards the Russia game. There is a lot of football to be played but we are confident."