Defeat would end England hopes - Tal

England’s can kiss next year’s European Championships goodbye if they lose in Tel Aviv on Saturday, according to Bolton’s Israel midfielder Idan Tal.

Steve McClaren’s men face the first of two crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers against Tal’s countrymen, who are level on seven points with England in Group E.

And the 32-year-old believes defeat for either side will end their hopes of advancing to the finals.

“I would go as far as to say that the team who loses this match will have no chance of qualifying for Euro 2008,” Tal said on Bolton’s official website, www.bwfc.co.uk.

“England will be in good shape for the game, because it is a must-win game for them. They cannot afford to lose.”

Tal has warned England to expect a hostile reception when they run out at the Ramat Gan Stadium.

“England will find the atmosphere at the stadium intimidating and it is how they prepare for this that will be critical,” he said.

“Many of the top teams around the world have found it difficult to get a result at Ramat Gan and that will be a factor on Saturday.

“Believe me, when the game starts, the Israeli fans will create an atmosphere that will be up there with any major event around the world.

“The Israeli public love their football and the country has been waiting since the end of the World Cup for this fixture.

“There will be 50,000 screaming fans in the stadium from about two to three hours before kick-off building the atmosphere and trying to make it as passionate as possible.

“The whole country will be euphoric in the build-up to the game and, for days leading up to the match, the only talk will be about this game.

“In many ways, nothing else will matter.”

Tal believes England are favourites to win the match but insists his side can spring a surprise.

“England have quality in every position and we will have to play above our potential to get a result,” he said.

“We are wary of all their players and only a monumental effort from our players will be good enough to win.

“I have to be honest and say that England are a much better team than us and we know that.

“However, we have risen to these heights before and the coach [Dror Kashtan] will get the boys fired up to try and make it difficult for England to play a fluid game.”

Tal will miss the match through suspension, having played every one of his country’s qualifiers so far.

“I am bitterly disappointed to miss out on playing England in Tel Aviv,” he said.

“Suspensions are part of the game and it is tough.

“I have played in all the qualifying games up to now but this is one every Israeli wants to play in and it hurts not to be out on the field against England.

“I would have given up all those games just to play on Saturday.”