(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-09-07 02:13

MILAN - Italy must beat France when the World Cup finalists meet again on Saturday if they are to maintain a strong chance of qualifying for Euro 2008 although England and Spain are in even stickier situations.

Injury-hit England, who may be forced to play midfielder Steven Gerrard despite a broken toe, host Israel knowing anything less than three points would leave them precariously off the pace in Group E.

Spain need to win in Iceland to avoid dropping back in the hunt for the two qualification spots in Group F while the Netherlands face Group G rivals Bulgaria aware that a defeat would nullify their game in hand.

Euro 2004 runners-up Portugal also lie third in Group A and host leaders Poland without main defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Pepe.

UEFA BAN

Second-placed Italy, who lost 3-1 in Paris in September, are two points behind Group B leaders France and one ahead of Scotland as they struggle to live up to the tag of world champions.

A defeat by France in Milan coupled with a Scotland victory at home to Lithuania would push Roberto Donadoni's side down to third ahead of a trip to fourth-placed Ukraine on Wednesday.

France, who host Scotland on Wednesday, are ready to avenge their World Cup final defeat despite UEFA banning their coach Raymond Domenech from the touchline.

He had accused Italy of bribing the referee of an Under-21 qualifier for the 2000 Olympics between the two countries.

"The Azzurri must absolutely take three points," France midfielder Franck Ribery told a news conference. "For us a point would be good but I assure you we are looking to take six points from these two games."

"It is not easy not having the coach there. But we are professionals with a lot of experience and we must do it alone."

Italy are without injured defender Marco Materazzi and main striker Luca Toni is also a big doubt with a thigh strain while France hope Patrick Vieira can play after hamstring trouble.

SECURITY HIGH

England are fourth in Group E and their hopes of reaching next year's finals in Austria and Switzerland hang on Saturday's match with Israel at Wembley and Wednesday's visit of Russia.

But Steve McClaren is without David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and almost certainly Owen Hargreaves. He is also struggling to find a suitable strike partner for injury-prone Michael Owen as Peter Crouch is suspended for the Israel game.

"If we get a victory it will be talked about for 100 years...they are under pressure and we can do it," Israel captain Yossi Benayoun said.

Leaders Croatia host Estonia and Russia welcome Macedonia.

Spain, who only beat Iceland 1-0 at home in March, are third in their group and will hope bottom team Latvia can do them a favour at home to second-placed Northern Ireland and Denmark can manage a result at group leaders Sweden.

Security will be high in Stockholm as the reverse fixture in Copenhagen in June was abandoned and a 3-0 win awarded to Sweden after a fan ran on to the pitch and tried to punch the referee.

Germany visit Wales knowing a win can put them in touching distance of qualification from Group D but the Czech Republic will almost certainly stay on their tail as they travel to San Marino.

Turkey and Norway, both on 13 points, can claw some ground back on Group C pacesetters Greece if they win in Malta and Moldova respectively. Holders Greece do not play on Saturday while Bosnia, who are in second place, visit Hungary.