England assistant boss Terry Venables admits manager Steve McClaren has been stunned by the criticism aimed at him since their defeat in Russia.
"Criticism goes with the territory," he said at the launch of the PFA's Centenary Game. "That maybe hit him (McClaren). When things hit you like that, you are numbed, you are rocked.
"I cannot stand up and say it has been brilliant from day one because it hasn't.
"There are no favours from anyone so when things are hot and problematic you have got to keep a cool head.
"But we have been playing some good football that players and supporters have been enjoying.
"We just did not win the game we wanted (against Russia) and it is in the lap of the gods to see if we get another opportunity.
"I do not like it when someone else has to do us a favour but what I do know is that Israel have a good home record."
