YOSSI HAPPY TO DEFEND

Yossi Benayoun admits he and his Israel teammates will come to Wembley in defensive mood on Saturday.

Jimmy Rice 06 September 2007.

The Liverpool midfielder expects stick to come his country's way after the crucial Euro qualifier – but he isn't bothered.

"I don't care whether people say we are negative or not negative," he said.

"We drew with England in Israel 0-0, which was a great result for us, and I will be happy to defend again and finish with the same result.

"You don't expect us to come to Wembley to play an open game and end up being 3-0 down after 20 minutes.

"We need to work hard in defence and work on quick attacks, hopefully steal a go and draw or win the game.

"If we stay in the game in the first 20 to 25 minutes by defending solidly and keeping the score at 0-0 the supporters will lose their patience.

"We need to concentrate on our game and work hard. We have a few good players with a lot of quality and hopefully we will do our best."

Israel are currently three points ahead of England in Group E but have played a game more.

Benayoun added: "We know England are favourites. They are better than us, so any result less than a win for England will be a surprise to everyone, especially me.

"It will be difficult to win, but I would be happy with a draw.

"If we win, it would be a result people would speak about for the next few years."

Meanwhile, Liverpool's summer signing feels there is sometimes too much pressure for the national team to perform in his adopted country.

"Everyone here in England loves the national team, and there is a lot of pressure on them," said Benayoun.

"But sometimes they play against sides like Germany and Brazil, and yet they are expected to win in every game.

"Yes, the last time at Wembley they lost, but also on any given day they can win.

"I think you need to be behind them. England have a lot of good players and I am sure in the end they will be in Euro 2008 and in the final stages, so there is nothing to worry about."