England feel Benayoun injury blow

LONDON, England -- England's Euro 2008 ambitions were dealt another blow on Monday when Liverpool midfield player Yossi Benayoun was ruled out of Israel's critical group game against Russia.

Benayoun will be sidelined for three weeks after a scan confirmed he suffered an adductor tear during Saturday's win against Fulham.

"I am devastated to miss the game because I am fully aware of what it means to everyone in England," he said.

An Israel defeat would virtually end England's chances, with Russia finishing their campaign on Wednesday November 21 away to Andorra.

Group E leaders Croatia can clinch qualification with a point away to Macedonia on Saturday before ending their program four days later at Wembley against England whose manager Steve McClaren could be in the firing line.

Macedonia will be without injured Lazio forward Goran Pandev, 24, who has hit 12 goals in 34 appearances for his country.

Coach Sre?ko Katanec confirmed: "Pandev will definitely not play. This is a handicap for us because we all know what he means for our team. We will try to give our best....Croatia are favorites but we'll try to cause a surprise."

Israel's loss of 27-year-old Benayoun -- he hit a hattrick in Liverpool's record 8-0 Champions League win against Besiktas -- could prove just as decisive.

"(Liverpool team-mates) Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch have been driving me crazy in the last few weeks," Benayoun told Israel's Sport 5. "But my health is more important than England's needs and I must rest and take care of myself."

England, who are in danger of missing miss out on a major tournament for the first time since the 1994 World Cup, will have fit-again Chelsea defender Ashley Cole available for the group climax. E-mail to a friend