5 September 2007
VIDEO: Micah Richards pre-Israel
Micah Richards 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

Micah Richards admits he is relishing the chance to play in one of the biggest games of his career on Saturday, but is confident England can come away with a victory over Israel.

Richards has been one of the star performers in the Premiership for Manchester City so far this season and was rewarded with a starting place against Germany in the last England game at Wembley two weeks ago.

The talented defender showed Steve McClaren he has the ability to compete on the international stage and with Gary Neville ruled out through injury, he has the ideal chance to stake his claim for a regular place in the England side.

Richards knows the importance of taking maximum points from the European Championship Qualifiers against both Israel and Russia and believes there is enough quality in the Three Lions squad to qualify for the Finals in Austria and Switzerland next summer.

Richards said: “I've played in friendlies and a couple of qualifiers but this is a must-win game so it is one of the highlights of my career.

“It was one of the best days of my life to play in the last game against Germany and to set up a goal as well was brilliant.

"Everyone knows Gary Neville is a legend. I'll just do what I can for the team and hopefully I can stay in place of Gary Neville.

“The next two games are very important to us but we've got the people here to kick on and pick up the full six points. It is in our hands. We've got the players to do it.

"With the team we have got, there is no reason why we can't go on and win things. I know these two games are huge but I'll just go out and enjoy it.”

You can read more from Micah exclusively in this Saturday's
matchday programme. To order your copy online, click here...