England only need one point to book their Euro 2008 place, after Israel beat Russia 2-1 in Tel Aviv.

McClaren's men now require just a draw against Croatia in their final qualifier at Wembley next Wednesday.

Israel took the lead through Elianiv Barda after ten minutes and though Russia levelled in the second-half, the hosts scored late on to deny Russia even a point.

Dorel Golan's stoppage-time winner would have been the cue for celebrations from England boss Steve McClaren and his players who were relying on Israel to do them a favour.

Earlier, stand-in skipper Steven Gerrard urged England to be "mentally ready" to take advantage of any slip-up which may help them qualify for Euro 2008.

He said: "We have got to be mentally ready to take advantage of any slip-ups on Wednesday. It will be like a second chance for us if you like - and if we do get a chance on Wednesday, we've got to play the game of our lives."

But England's chances are buy no means guaranteed, as star strikers Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney will be missing the line-up due to injury, plus skipper John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, who is suspended.

Earlier, Scots fans suffered qualification heartbreak when they saw their side beaten 2-1 by world champions Italy at Hampden Park.

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.