LONDON (AP) - Steven Gerrard will play in England's European Championship qualifying match against Israel today despite a broken toe.

The Liverpool captain has taken part in two England training sessions without needing a painkilling injection, but the participation of his fellow midfielder Owen Hargreaves is still in doubt.

"If he plays tomorrow like he did in training today, I'll be delighted," England manager Steve McClaren said yesterday. "It looks like he'll play without an injection, but we'll assess that tomorrow."

Hargreaves trained separately yesterday, and McClaren said he would decide if the Manchester United midfielder had recovered from a thigh injury "as late as possible."

England captain John Terry said it would be a "nightmare" if England did not defeat Israel.

"Three points is the minimum that we can come away with," Terry said. "It's vital that we do that and everyone has got to rise to the challenge."

England will be without several injured players, including midfielders Frank Lampard and David Beckham, striker Wayne Rooney, defender Gary Neville and winger Kieron Dyer for the match at Wembley.

Terry said their absence and criticism of the side in newspapers by former England internationals had strengthened morale.

"What has been said and the injuries, it has brought us together as a group," Terry said.

England is fourth in Group E qualifying with 14 points - three fewer than leaders Croatia and Israel and fewer than Russia.

England plays Russia at Wembley on Wednesday and the two games could determine if it advances to the finals in Austria and Switzerland next year.

Israel captain Yossi Benayoun and defender Tal Ben Haim play in the Premier League, with Liverpool and Chelsea respectively, and know how to best frustrate English crowds.

"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," Benayoun said.

"We know England are favorites, 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."

England was held to a 0-0 draw at Israel in March and McClaren said patience was key to avoid another stalemate.

"We must not get frustrated if we don't score in the first 10, 15, 30 minutes," McClaren said. "It's vital we don't lose our concentration because we could be caught on the counter."

Israel's Argentine-born striker Roberto Colautti, who has scored six goals in eight appearances, was suspended the last time the two sides played and is doubtful this time with a thigh injury.

In response to England's long injury list, McClaren has called up striker Emile Heskey three years after he last played for England and brought in uncapped defender Joleon Lescott.

Heskey, who lost his place in the team with the emergence of Rooney, could start alongside his former strike partner Michael Owen. If Heskey does not play, Andrew Johnson could play because Peter Crouch is suspended.

"The biggest boost we have got is that Michael Owen is fit because he's a big player for us," McClaren said.

McClaren said he would stick with Paul Robinson as his No. 1 goalkeeper. During England's 2-1 friendly loss to Germany last month, McClaren played Robinson in the first half, and David James in the second.

James last played a competitive match for England in September 2004.

"Everybody makes mistakes," McClaren said. "I've got every confidence in Robbo. I'll stick with him because I trust him to do the job."