JERUSALEM - Israel coach Dror Kashtan insists he "is not concerned what the English or the Russians think" ahead of their meeting with Guus Hiddink's side on November 17.
Russia beat England 2-1 on Wednesday night to put themselves in a strong position to qualify from Euro 2008 Qualifying Group E.
A win in Tel Aviv and then victory against minnows Andorra will see Hiddink's men secure a place in Austria and Switzerland next summer.
However, if Israel beat Russia then it would re-open the door for England.
The pressure is, therefore, on Israel to perform but Kashtan is not concerned about how the result will affect the chances of others.
"We want to represent the country in the best way possible against Russia," he told the Jerusalem Post.
"I'm not concerned with what the English or Russians think of how we play.
"The only thing that interests me is that the national team will put on a good and worthy display."
Conspiracy theories have already started in sections of the English press, with sceptics quick to point out the links between Israel and Russia.
Israeli agent Pini Zahavi is a close aide to Chelsea's Russian owner Roman Abramovich, and Abramovich was the key figure in Guus Hiddink's appointment as the Russia coach.
Avram Grant, who is now the number one at Chelsea, is for the former Israel national team coach and is a close friend of Abramovich.
