England's McClaren keeps faith with Robinson, Gerrard fit

LONDON, Sept 7 (Reuters) England coach Steve McClaren has kept faith with under-fire goalkeeper Paul Robinson for Saturday's Euro 2008 Group E qualifier at home to Israel.

McClaren also said today that Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard was almost certain to play despite a broken toe, although fellow midfielder Owen Hargreaves remained doubtful.

Robinson's place in the starting line-up has come under pressure after some shaky performances, including a bad error in the 2-1 defeat by Germany in a home friendly last month.

''Paul Robinson will be in goal,'' McClaren told reporters on the eve of a game England must win to keep their hopes of qualification for next year's finals on track.

''It was a decision I made two or three days after the (Germany) game on reflection once the dust had settled, and on the reaction of Robinson in the last few games and in training this week. He's been just as I expected him to be, character comes out in the first team.

''He's always got my trust and my confidence, I'm sticking with him.'' Gerrard's availability will be a huge relief for McClaren, whose own future will be on the line if England fail to finish first or second in a group in which they are currently fourth.

McClaren is already without Frank Lampard, David Beckham and Wayne Rooney through injury while striker Peter Crouch is suspended.

''It's a big boost for everybody, particularly Steve because he desperately wants to play in this game,'' McClaren said. ''He came through training today with no problems. I can more or less say he's pencilled in.'' McClaren said Manchester United midfielder Hargreaves would have a fitness test on his thigh injury on Saturday morning.

''Owen wants to play and we think there may be an opportunity to do that but we'll leave it up to the medics and the player,'' McClaren said.

England trail group leaders Croatia and Israel by three points, although they have played one fewer game than Israel.

Russia, who play England on Wednesday, are third, one point above England.

Six points from the next two games would put England in a healthy position and McClaren is upbeat.

''The big games are when we have to deliver and generally when it comes to the big games the players have delivered,'' said McClaren, who is likely to partner fit-again Michael Owen up front with recalled Emile Heskey.

''Israel are a very good side and were unbeaten in qualification for the last World Cup and just missed out. But it's not about Israel, it's about what we do.'' England drew 0-0 in Israel earlier in the group.

REUTERS SSC VC1907