Gerrard boost for England

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Gerrard's fitness has been the subject of intense debate in the build-up to Saturday's crucial Euro 2008 clash with Israel at Wembley.

But a statement released by the FA read: "Steven Gerrard played a part in training today (Wednesday). He will be continually assessed by the England medical staff and a decision on his fitness for Saturday's game will be taken later in the week."

Despite playing only once since breaking a foot in Liverpool's Champions League qualifying round win in Toulouse last month, the 26-year-old midfielder has assured McClaren he will be fit for the weekend.

McClaren has pointedly refused to rule out the option of giving Gerrard a pain-killing injection to get him through the match, providing there was no long-term risk to the player, even though Reds boss Rafael Benitez has urged England not to.

However, all parties recognise it would be better if Gerrard was able to get through the game without resorting to such measures.