Tal Ben Haim was 'happy' to help out England after Israel claimed a dramatic 2-1 win at home to Russia.

England had been hoping Israel would do them a favour by denying Russia victory in Tel Aviv to keep alive Steve McClaren's prospects of leading the national team to next summer's finals.

Omer Golan's injury-time goal earned Israel a shock success and it means England only need a draw at home to Croatia on Wednesday to clinch qualification.

Chelsea defender Ben Haim admits it was a bonus to aid some of his club colleagues' chances of playing in the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

"First of all, we played for our fans, they can push us during the game," Ben Haim told Sky Sports News.

"Of course, it's helping England and I'm happy because of my mates from my team. I'm happy for them."

Ben Haim is also confident that England will not fluff their opportunity to qualify by picking up the required result against group leaders Croatia.

He added: "I think you have fantastic players, very high quality players.

"So, in the moment when you need to get a result it depends on you, but I think you will be good."

More news from SportingLife.com