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.
WeÂ’ll have to wait to find out if anyone comes back injured, exhausted or (hopefully not) demoralised by failure and the inevitable media backlash.
HereÂ’s a look at whoÂ’s playing where over their next few days away from home.With both Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard doubtful, it could be down to UnitedÂ’s Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick to hold together EnglandÂ’s midfield for the make or break matches against Israel and Russia. And theyÂ’re 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 EvraÂ’s 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 VidicÂ’s Serbia side next Wednesday.
How will Fergie feel if one of our players maims another for the sake of his countryÂ…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.
