Saturday March 24 - a pivotal day in England's bid to qualify for the 2008 European Championships. Ok, I know it seems like England's qualifying campaign has only just started but a loss against Israel could be catastrophic. It may sound like an easy tie but Israel are not easy opponents when you play them in their own back yard. The crowd will be hostile and the opposition will be up for it. After Paul Robinson's shocker in Croatia and a goalless draw with Macedonia (yes, Macedonia does have a football team before you ask!!) a good team performance and all three points is a must.

According to reports in the media, the reason for England's embarrassing world cup was because the players were 'jealous' of David Beckham. (Anyone would think he's just signed a £150m contract and bought a house in Beverley Hills!) As Beckham is no longer a part of the international set-up, there can be no more excuses. If the unthinkable becomes a reality and England lose in Tel-Aviv, failure to qualify for the Championships and an early exit for Mr McClaren is extremely likely.