• International Friendlies preview

'United' England can focus on football

Fabio Capello will look for his side to produce a strong showing against Egypt © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Capello will never give Gerrard 'Liverpool role'
  
• News: Toure backs Wayne Bridge to return for England
  
Ferdinand heard he was new captain on TV

Fabio Capello can finally get the focus back on football matters when England face Egypt at Wembley on Wednesday.

The Three Lions coach has had to contend with the fallout from the John Terry-Wayne Bridge saga, as well as seeing his newly-appointed captain Rio Ferdinand pull out with injury.

On a busy night of international action, Scotland and Wales entertain Czech Republic and Sweden respectively, while Northern Ireland travel to Albania.

England v Egypt
The England players have rallied behind Terry in the run-up to what is the final friendly before the summer and Steven Gerrard will lead out a much-changed but 'united' team. The absence of three of England's four first-choice defenders means Wes Brown is likely to start at right-back, while Leighton Baines may be given the nod at left-back.

Wayne Rooney came into the game as an injury doubt, but he is expected to shrug off a bruised knee to figure - while Gerrard will operate from midfield after being told he will never get the second-striker role.

As for Egypt, head coach Hassan Shehata soothed some of the pain of failing to qualify for the World Cup, and kept himself in the job he's had since 2004, by winning a third consecutive African Cup of Nations for the Pharaohs in January 2010.

Scotland v Czech Republic
Kris Boyd's free-scoring ways for Rangers have not been enough to earn him a place in new boss Craig Levein's starting XI. His Ibrox team-mate Kenny Miller will lead the attack, while James McFadden and Lee Wallace have both been named in the team despite injury concerns.

Levein is looking to make a flying start to his tenure, as he said: "I'd love to win the game. I know it's not a competitive match and it's not the be-all and end-all. But I think for everybody's sake, it would be good to put on a good performance and win.

"I think we are capable of winning the match and I don't see any reason why we should think anything other than that."

Craig Bellamy is being rested by manager John Toshack © Getty Images

Enlarge

Albania v Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland will take on Albania without Manchester United defender Jonny Evans who has been ruled out with a knee injury. Manager Nigel Worthington was beset by pullouts in the run-up to the game - with Chris Brunt, Gareth McAuley and Warren Feeney all sitting out the trip and now Evans has joined them on the sidelines.

"This is virtually par for the course when a friendly takes place during a busy period for club football," Worthington said. "However it is a wonderful opportunity for those players on the periphery of the squad to gain international experience."

Wales v Sweden
With Craig Bellamy absent, James Collins will take on the captain's armband against Sweden. "I was proud to be captain over in Liechtenstein and we got a good result out there so I will be looking to keep that going," Collins said. "It is going to be a tougher game but I am looking forward to it. I'm proud to play for Wales and doubly as proud to be captain."

The absence of Bellamy from the Wales attack hands manager John Toshack the opportunity to look at younger members of his squad - with Simon Church and Ched Evans set to start at the Liberty Stadium.

Sam Ricketts is likely to miss out after picking up a knock for Bolton, while Boaz Myhill may be handed the goalkeeping gloves ahead of Wayne Hennessey.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.