Benayoun helps Israel to draw

Yossi Benayoun helped Israel to a 1-1 draw at home to Ukraine last night ahead of their European Championship qualifier against England next month.

While England lost 1-0 in their home friendly to Spain, Israel took the lead with a thundering volley from Walid Badir.

Ukraine, captained by Chelsea forward Andriy Shevchenko, equalised through Maksym Kalinichenko, who converted the rebound after seeing his penalty saved by Dudu Aouate.

England take on Israel in Tel Aviv in their Euro 2008 qualifier on March 24. The two sides are currently level on seven points in Group E, with Croatia topping the table on ten points.