International week is always a worrying time for club managers,
which is probably why a few of our players often pick up
mysterious, short-lived injuries when friendlies are on.
But, with the decisive European qualifiers coming up, even the
walking wounded will be forced into action and a few countries
will be relying on some of our boys to get them to the
Finals.
Well have to wait to find out if anyone comes back injured,
exhausted or (hopefully not) demoralised by failure and the
inevitable media backlash.
Heres a look at whos playing
where over their next few days away from home.
With both Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard doubtful, it could be
down to Uniteds Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick to hold
together Englands midfield for the make or break matches against
Israel and Russia. And theyre likely to be joined by Rio Ferdinand
and Wes Brown in defence.
Hargreaves trained away from his teammates today but is expected to
return to the group tomorrow.
Patrick Evras France face an intimidating trip away to world
champions Italy on Saturday and then return for a more approachable
meeting with a Scotland side captained by Darren Fletcher.
And, Christiano Ronaldo and Nani will play Poland and then try and
outfox United teammate Nemanja Vidics Serbia side next
Wednesday.
How will Fergie feel if one of our players maims another for the
sake of his country
especially if it's for England's cause?
Elsewhere, Edwin van der Sar will be between the sticks for Holland
against Bulgaria and Albania.
And, despite being out injured for a while, Johnny Evans will
represent Northern Ireland against Latvia and Iceland while Darron
Gibson will be in the Republic of Ireland squad that face Slovakia
and the Czech Republic.
