BetFred Owner Offers Mercedes in Israel vs. Russia Football MatchupIsrael vs. Russia is key to England's future and at least one British bookmaker is willing to do his part in enticing Israel players to beat Russia Saturday.
Fred Done, founder of BetFred.com, has offered one of his prized possessions to any Israel player who scores the winning goal against Guus Hiddink's Russian side. That player will receive Done's £50,000 Mercedes, according to the Guardian Newspaper.
Getting England's hopes of qualifying for next summer's European Championship back into their own hands will require Israel taking points off Russia in Tel Aviv tomorrow.
Steve McClaren has been insisting that all is not lost for England, saying: "Going away to Israel is very, very tough. They are a proud nation. They have a great home record."
BetFred.com has given England 12/1 odds of qualifying for Euro 2008. The Guardian has reported that Done's firm will lay you 12-1 about McClaren's side winning Euro 2008 with the insurance that if they do not qualify punters' money will be returned, with the caveat that all bets must be placed before the Israel v Russia kick-off.
If Russia beat Israel and Andorra, and Croatia earn a point in Macedonia or at Wembley on Wednesday, England will fail to qualify for next summer's finals.
"There is still a long way to go and a lot of events to unfold," says McClaren.
If Russia draw, then England will need to beat group leaders Croatia in their last qualifying game, at Wembley on Wednesday.
But if Russia lose to Israel, then a point would be sufficient for McClaren's side against Croatia.
"It is hypothetical talking about the future when there are so many events still involved," said McClaren. "Hopefully, the result will go right for us on Saturday night (between Israel and Russia) and we will be able to qualify when we play Croatia."
McClaren could lose his job should England fail to qualify for the 2008 Euro.
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Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com
Originally published November 16, 2007 10:10 am ET
