International preview - 10/10/09

Last updated : 09 October 2009 By Dan Buxton
England have already secured their passage to the World Cup next summer and so a little less focus is on the trip to the Ukraine as the only big question is whether England can retain their 100% record and Fabio Capello can extend his record amount of competitive wins from an England manager fresh into the job.

The match is only going to be available, legally, via a pay per view website and this seems to be more of a talking point than anything to do with the actual game,

City have numerous players away on international duty this week and two are expected to start for the Republic of Ireland as they take on Italy in a crunch game at Croke Park.

Italy are favourites but the Irish know they must win to keep alive their hopes of automatic qualification and also need to avoid defeat to help keep away the sides looking to oust the Republic from their play off spot.

Midfielder Glenn Whelan is nailed on to start in the centre whilst winger Liam Lawrence is expected to get his first competitive cap, hot on the heels of his first full cap last time out when he scored a delightful 25-yard free kick to help the Irish to a 1-0 win over South Africa.

The two City stars are hoping to further cement their places in Giovanni Trappatoni's World Cup squad should the Green Army get their. Rory Delap could make it a trio of Potters in the Irish midfield as, despite currently being overlooked, a long injury list of midfielders surely leaves Delap close to a recall should anyone else drop out.

Goalkeeper Thomas Sorenson will don his gloves to try and help deliver a knockout blow to Denmark's rivals automatic qualification hopes as the Danes host Sweden. Sorenson has played a pivotal part as his side have reigned supreme in their group so far and are one victory away from booking their flights next summer. Sweden will be no pushover though and sit second, three points behind the Danes.

Defender Rob Huth returns to the German squad after signing for the Potters. Huth has impressed immensely since arriving at the Britannia and will be hoping to transfer that form onto the international scene as he looks to play his first competitive game for Germany since the 2006 World Cup. Germany travel to Russia one point ahead of their opponents and lead the way in Group 4 knowing a victory would book their place in South Africa.

Tuncay rounds up the Potters action as he leads out the Turkey side away in Belguim as the Eastern European country tries to keep alive their ever so slim chances of a play off spot for next summers Championships. The City striker knows he, as captain, needs to inspire his side to victory in Belguim otherwise he can get out the holiday brochures for next June. Turkey are four points behind second placed Bosnia with two games left, Spain have long since won the group, and know they need two wins and then hope that the Bosnians pick up no more than two points in their two games.