McClaren waits on doubtful Gerrard

ENGLAND manager Steve McClaren will leave it as late as possible before deciding whether to pick Steven Gerrard for Saturday’s vital Euro 2008 clash with Israel at Wembley.

With Frank Lampard a definite absentee from the Israel clash, it is even more important Gerrard is part of McClaren’s line-up.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has already expressed his concern about the 26-year-old being fit enough to play as Gerrard has still only managed one game since breaking his toe in the Champions League qualifier against Toulouse three weeks ago.