Benayoun plays down England crisis
Yossi Benayoun has dismissed talk of an England form crisis – but the West Ham midfielder knows the pressure building up around Steve McClaren’s squad could aid Israel’s cause in Tel Aviv tonight.
The 26-year-old has seen at first hand the adverse reaction to recent England performances.
Both the October defeat in Croatia and last month’s friendly loss against Spain raised major question marks over McClaren’s reign, with Rio Ferdinand’s influential agent Pini Zahavi claiming Sven-Goran Eriksson’s successor will be axed should it all go wrong in the Ramat Gan Stadium.
Having assessed those performances himself, Benayoun does not actually believe much is wrong with England. Yet he knows how badly the weight of expectation can hamper the visitors in the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier.
“England have not played poorly,” he said.
“If you look at it, their only bad result was against Macedonia at home, when nobody expected them to draw.
“Croatia away is one of the most difficult games you can play, so it is no big surprise when any team loses there.
“England have big players, who know how to give their best in important games. But they are under pressure and it could affect them in a negative way.”
Although Bolton’s Idan Tal is suspended, Benayoun will be part of a three-pronged Premiership presence in the home ranks.
Chelsea teenager Ben Sahar should be Israel’s major attacking threat while Tal Ben Haim will hope to have more luck snuffing out Wayne Rooney’s talents than he did last weekend when the Manchester United youngster scored twice against Bolton.
But it is upon Benayoun’s playmaking skills that home hopes will be based in the first competitive meeting between the two countries.
Israel need to win themselves after surrendering a seven-year unbeaten home record against Croatia in November to slip to fourth in Group E.
But it is McClaren whose need for points is more urgent, even though Benayoun has pleaded for more patience from a demanding English public.
“Steve McClaren is under a lot of pressure because the people in England expect so much of the team,” said Benayoun.
“But he is still very new to the job and he needs to be given some time.
“He proved he was a good manager by taking Middlesbrough to the UEFA Cup final and I am sure – after tomorrow – England will start to win their games.”
