Gerrard insists he will be fit to play... and that’s without painkillers, Rafa

The England midfielder, who may not even need a painkilling injection for his broken toe, told Steve McClaren he is ready to play in the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier.

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Proud to be an England player: Steven Gerrard celebrates a goal against Andorra

Gerrard, who has not played a competitive match since Liverpool's 1-1 draw against Chelsea on August 19, is determined to represent his country in the biggest match of McClaren's reign.

He also believes that, provided there is no reaction, he will be available to face Guus Hiddink's Russia in the second of the head-to-head qualifiers four days later.

Benitez warned Gerrard not to risk aggravating the injury before the midfielder joined up with the England squad but, barring a problem in today's final training session, the Liverpool playmaker will line up alongside Owen Hargreaves in the centre of midfield.

Hargreaves is making good progress from a thigh strain, and McClaren expects the Manchester United man also to declare himself fit after today's training session at London Colney.

McClaren said: "As a precaution, Owen was sent for a scan. Thankfully, it revealed only a small problem and we are hoping it will clear. The thigh problem is not related to the tendinitis he had in his knee."

A relaxed McClaren gave the players a day off yesterday, although Gerrard and Hargreaves received intensive treatment while the England head coach spent most of the day in meetings with his coaches.

He is expected to name his team after this morning's training session, and it will bring heartbreak for either David James or Paul Robinson.

Although McClaren has been impressed with rookie Scott Carson this week, it is understood that the goalkeeping position has come down to a straight fight between James and Robinson.

The England chief wants to pack his side with experience. James, 37, is 10 years older than Robinson but the Spurs keeper has 37 caps, two more than James, and the decision is said to be too close to call.

However, Robinson's confidence took a another blow during England's 2-1 defeat against Germany in a friendly last month.

McClaren also has to make a decision on who partners Michael Owen up front.

Andy Johnson and Emile Heskey are the obvious choices, but Alan Smith believes he can still force his way into McClaren's thoughts.