Nigel Winterburn believes that Avram Grant would be the perfect candidate to take over at West Ham.

Winterburn, who finished his career at Upton Park, said: "Avram's credentials stand up. Wherever he's gone he's done a good job. Different clubs bring different expectations. At Portsmouth he's done wonders with the situation they are in. He also handled the pressures at Chelsea."

The ex-Arsenal defender was also full of praise for Israel captain Yossi Benayoun. "He's a top, top player who could do a good job at any big club. I'm not paid £3 million a year but it surprises me that Rafa Benitez often leaves him on the bench."

Winterburn was one of the guest speakers at UJIA's Supper Quiz at Wembley. He joined former Tottenham manager Gerry Francis, Spurs legend Martin Chivers and Brian Barwick, the former FA Chief Executive.

Looking ahead to the World Cup, Winterburn described England as "a quarter-final team". He said: "The situation with injuries is a concern. At the moment I would be doubtful that we will get our first XI out for the opener."

He also acknowledged Spurs had "proved people wrong" in managing to qualify for the final preliminary round of the Champions League, and also felt that "overall Arsenal have done better than some were predicting but still need strengthening in goal and defence".

Barwick, who appointed England manager Fabio Capello in 2007, said that the Italian "saw managing England as the pinnacle of his career".

The evening raised £200,000 for causes in the north of Israel, including a Sporting Chance programme for deprived youngsters.