The Israelis are currently in second place in Euro 2008 qualifying Group E, level on points with leaders Croatia, but having played a match more than England.

Last March they played out a goalless draw in Tel Aviv, since when the pressure has continued to mount on beleaguered England head coach Steve McClaren.

Should England fail to get themselves back on track with results from their double header against Israel and Russia, on Wednesday, then further harsh criticism is sure to follow.

With injuries to Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and David Beckham as well as doubts over Steven Gerrard and the suspension of striker Peter Crouch, boss McClaren certainly has plenty of concerns ahead of the Wembley showdown.

However, Benayoun - who joined Liverpool from West Ham in a £5million deal during the summer - still believes England have plenty of cause for optimism.

"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," he said.

"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."

Benayoun added: "I don't care whether people say we are negative or not negative - 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 England and 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 goal 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."

Having joined the Hammers during the summer of 2005 from Racing Santander, Benayoun knows all about the expectation levels of the England fans for their men to deliver on the big stage.

The Israel captain, however, feels McClaren's squad have enough quality to come good in the end.

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

"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."