Hiddink: 'England don't deserve Euro 2008 spot'

Russia boss Guus Hiddink has insisted that England do not deserve to qualify for Euro 2008.

Steve McClaren's men must realistically rely on the Russians and Croatia slipping up in Israel and Macedonia respectively this weekend if their destiny is to be in their own hands once again.

Hiddink masterminded Russia's 2-1 victory over England last month which has left McClaren's future the subject of intense speculation ahead of next Wednesday's must-win qualifier at home to Slaven Bilic's Group E leaders.

The Dutchman also believes it is "impossible" that his players will not take all three points in Tel Aviv, where England were held to a 0-0 draw in March.

He said: "I am calm and relaxed. We know that if we win then we will qualify for Euro 2008. It is as simple as that. It's in our own hands. I am not worried. I am fully focused.

"For me, this is the equivalent of a World Cup final. We have been through so much in this group as a country that it would be impossible for us to fail in Israel. If we analyse this group and the teams, then England do not deserve to qualify. Russia have been consistent."

Hiddink continued: "You judge success as to who qualifies. If we finish above England then no-one can say we don't deserve it. It was not a freak or a one-off."

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