Benayoun urged to rescue England

Crouch (left) and Gerrard (right) have been motivating Benayoun

Liverpool duo Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard have told team-mate Yossi Benayoun to restore England's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008.

England need Benayoun to help Israel to beat or draw with Russia on 17 November to stand a realistic chance of reaching the finals in Austria and Switzerland.

"Me and Stevie have been getting into him," Crouch told his club's website.

"We're trying to keep him fresh for the Israel game. Hopefully he will do us a job against Russia."

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Russia play international minnows Andorra, who have yet to register a point in Group E, after Israel in their final game of the campaign on 21 November but that is seen as a match Guus Hiddink's side are expected to win.

Therefore, England are pinning their hopes on Israel doing them a favour - thereby leaving Steve McClaren's outfit needing a win against Croatia on 21 November at Wembley to earn one of the two spots available for Euro 2008 qualification.

Croatia lead Group E and need a point against Macedonia before playing England to book their spot in next summer's finals.

England coach McClaren will name his squad for the game against Croatia on Friday but, after the 2-1 defeat in Russia last time out, he knows matters are out of his hands.

Benayoun is in good form and notched a hat-trick on Tuesday as Liverpool beat Besiktas 8-0 in the Champions League.

Crouch added: "Of course, now it would be great to see him make himself a hero to the England fans as well as the Liverpool ones."