Guus Hiddink, manager of the Russian national football team, has insisted that under-pressure Group E rivals England do not deserve to qualify for Euro 2008.
Steve McClaren's side need Russia to lose or draw in Israel on Saturday to have a realistic chance of advancing to next year's finals in Austria and Switzerland.
However the Dutchman believes it is "impossible" that his players will not take all three points in Tel Aviv.
"If we analyse this group and the teams, then England do not deserve to qualify. Russia have been consistent," Hiddink said in an interview with the Daily Express.
"I am calm and relaxed. We know that if we win then we will qualify for Euro 2008. It is as simple as that.
"It's in our own hands. I am not worried. I am fully focused.
"For me, this is the equivalent of a World Cup final. We have been through so much in this group as a country that it would be impossible for us to fail in Israel," Hiddink added.
"You judge success as to who qualifies. If we finish above England then no-one can say we don't deserve it. It was not a freak or a one-off."
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"It's in our own hands. I am not worried. I am fully focused."
Guus Hiddink,
Russia manager |
Russia defeated England 2-1 last month which has left McClaren's future the subject of intense speculation ahead of next Wednesday's crucial qualifier at home to group leaders Croatia.
England stars Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen handed McClaren a boost on Wednesday when they backed the besieged manager to carry on in his current job even if England fail to reach the Euro 2008 finals.
McClaren's job is on the line as England face the prospect of failing to reach a major tournament finals for the first time since the 1994 World Cup.
Support for McClaren
However Gerrard was adamant that the players believe former Middlesbrough boss McClaren deserved to be given more time in the role.
"I'm certainly backing the manager," Gerrard said.
"I've got a lot of faith in him, I've enjoyed working with him and speaking to the other players I'm sure they feel the same.
"There is no point changing managers every five months or every year. You need continuity and I feel we are moving in the right direction."
Owen added: "Every player that you would ask would back the manager. That is a natural thing to do. We think he is the right man for the job."
If Russia fail to beat Israel, England will be able to qualify by beating Croatia at Wembley on November 21.
McClaren's squad travel to Austria this week for a Friday night friendly against the Euro 2008 joint hosts in Vienna.