England defender Micah Richards insists he would happily have a painkilling injection if it meant he could play for his country.

Midfielder Steven Gerrard may have to have a jab in order to feature against Israel in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley as he battles against a toe injury, and missed training on Wednesday as he underwent further treatment.

Gerrard has indicated his willingness to play a part and Manchester City defender Richards admitted he would do anything it took to help England.

Asked if he would have an injection in order to play, he told Sky Sports News: "Yes I could do that definitely, you've got to haven't you?

"You do anything to play for your country."

Richards is confident going into Saturday's game and the match against Russia a week today.

"We've got the players to do it, so I don't see why we can't go and win both games."

Richards does not agree with Football Association director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking's assessment that the foreign influx into the Premier League is hindering the development of English players.

"If you are good enough you will get your chance, I don't agree with that," he said.

"If you are good enough I don't see why you can't make the breakthrough."

Richards sounded a note of caution against underestimating Israel, who successfully stifled England in Tel Aviv last year and have lost only once in their last 18 qualification games.

"They are a good footballing team and people don't give them as much credit as they are due. They get stuck in as well, they don't make it easy for us to play," the 19-year-old said.

"People underestimate them. They have got a few points in the table so they are a good team."