16.06. (Sun) 21:00 Mexico - Italy

PROBABLE LINEUPS

MEXICO
Corona
Flores, Rodriguez, Moreno, Salcido
Torrado, Zavala
Aquino, Dos Santos, Guardado
Hernandez

ITALY
Buffon
Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Sciglio
De Rossi, Pirlo, Marchisio
Montolivo, Giaccherini
Balotelli

Mexico coach Jose Manuel de la Torre could be tempted to make several changes to the side which played out a lacklustre 0-0 draw with Costa Rica in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

Mallorca attacker Giovani dos Santos started that match on the bench and the 24-year-old is expected to replace Guadalajara striker Aldo de Negris in a tactical change which would see el Tri change to a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Elsewhere Gerardo Torrado is looking to make his 142nd international cap in the heart of midfield whilst Javier Aquino could replace Pablo Barrera.

Mario Balotelli is eligible for Italy despite picking up a red card in the World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic last Friday although AC Milan teammate Stephan El Shaarawy is still nursing a minor ankle injury.

Cesare Prandelli has opted for a 4-3-2-1 formation in his training sessions this week with Juventus duo Emanuele Giaccherini and Claudio Marchisio supporting Balotelli.

Mattia De Sciglio could be given the nod to start at left-back as Prandelli looks to give some of his younger players international experience, although Giorgio Chiellini could be shifted out wide with Leonardo Bonucci in the centre.

DID YOU KNOW?
Italy made their Fifa Confederations Cup debut in 2009 but defeats to Brazil and Egypt ensured that Marcello Lippi's side were knocked out in the group stage.
Cuauhtemoc Blanco scored a joint-tournament record six goals en route to Mexico's 1999 Confederations Cup triumph, when the the hosts defeated Brazil 4-3 in the final.
The Azzurri eliminated Mexico from the 1970 World Cup but have failed to beat el Tri in their following four encounters, losing two and drawing two.
Cesare Prandelli's side have lost only one of their last 11 internationals - a 2-1 friendly defeat to France back in November.
Jose Manuel de la Torre's outfit are unbeaten since a 1-0 friendly defeat to USA last August - a run stretching back 13 games.
Andrea Pirlo is set to make his 100th international appearance.

PREDICTION
Mexico have scored only once in their last four World Cup qualifiers but they have proved a tricky opponent for Italy in recent times and I expect them to open their Confederations Cup campaign with a point.

Editor's Prediction
Mexico 1-1 Italy

15.06. (Sat) 21:00 Brazil - Japan

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

BRAZIL
Julio Cesar
Alves, David Luiz, Thiago Silva, Marcelo
Paulinho, Luiz Gustavo
Hulk, Oscar, Neymar
Fred

JAPAN
Kawashima
Uchida, Yoshida, Konno, Nagatomo
Endo, Hasebe
Okazaki, Honda, Kagawa
Maeda

It has been an underwhelming start to Luiz Felipe Scolari's second spell in charge of Brazil, but there are suggestions that the Selecao may finally have turned a corner.

Brazil came under fire for their leaky defence and inability to see off matches - as shown by their run of only one win in the former Chelsea coach's six games since his return.

However, a recent 3-0 victory over France has provided the perfect backdrop to Saturday's 2013 Confederations Cup opener, which will be hosted against Asian Cup champions Japan.

Thus, with Brazil firing on all cylinders against les Bleus on Sunday, expect an unchanged XI despite minor doubts about Neymar's fitness following knee complaints.

Meanwhile for their opponents Japan, who recently edged past Iraq to end a run of three matches without a win, they will line up with all their big guns - including Keisuke Honda and Yuto Nagatomo.

The pair had been missing from Samurai Blue contention, but they have successfully overcome knocks to represent their country this weekend.

DID YOU KNOW?
This will be Brazil's sixth consecutive appearance at the Confederations Cup.
The Selecao have won both of the last two editions in 2005 and 2009 respectively, as well as the 1997 competition.
Brazil gained automatic qualification to the tournament via their status as host nation.
This is Japan's fourth appearance at the World Cup dress rehearsal.
The furthest they have gone in the tournament is a runners-up finish in 2001.
Japan secured their place in the Confederations Cup over two years ago thanks to an Asian Cup triumph in 2011.

PREDICTION
The pressure will be on Brazil to make their mark on the tournament as hosts and on the back of their impressive win against France, expect them to start their Confederations Cup campaign with a bang.

Editor's Prediction
Brazil 3-1 Japan

15.06. (Sat) 20:30 Italy U21 - Netherlands U21

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

ITALY U21
Bardi
Donati, Bianchetti, Caldirola, Regini
Saponara, Florenzi, Verratti, Sansone
Gabbiadini, Destro

NETHERLANDS U21
Zoet
Van Rhijn, Martins Indi, De Vrij, Blind
Strootman, Fer, Van Ginkel
Wijnaldum, De Jong, John

Italy ended their group campaign with a 1-1 draw against Norway, but it was rather an opportunity to test fringe players after they had already secured qualification in their first two matches.

Nonetheless, coach Devis Mangia will not be able to call back Lorenzo Insigne into the side against Netherlands, although the ankle-injury victim could make an appearance from the substitutes' bench.

In his absence will be Nicola Sansone, fresh off the back of an impressive performance midweek, while Empoli's Vasco Regini is expected to edge out first-choice left-back Cristiano Biraghi.

Meanwhile for Netherlands, defender Bram Nuytinck has been ruled out for the rest of the European U21 Championship following the recurrence of an injury in his left knee.

The knock only rubbed more salt in the wounds of a 3-0 defeat to Spain, but up to 10 changes will be made by boss Cor Pot, with Kevin Strootman and Stefan De Vrij notably passing fitness tests to feature.

DID YOU KNOW?
Italy are the most successful country in the European U21 Championship, having won the competition six times.
They have also featured in the final a record 17 times, and are on course to do so again this year - providing they beat Netherlands.
The Azzurrini are unbeaten in their last five matches; they have also lost just three times since November 2009.
Netherlands, meanwhile, are one of the new superpowers at U21 level - their two successes in the tournament came in 2006 and 2007.
However, their run of seven straight victories was ended on Tuesday when they were stunned 3-0 by Spain to finish second in Group B.
Leroy Fer will equal Arnold Bruggink's record as the Netherlands' most-capped player at U21 level, with 31 appearances, if he features against Italy.
The first and last time these two sides met was back in May 2006, when a lone Daniel De Ridder goal was enough to tilt the scales in Netherlands' favour.
The winners will face that of Spain-Norway in the final on June 18 at Jerusalem's Teddy Stadium.

PREDICTION
The Dutch may possess the better team on paper, but it has been Italy's team ethic that has come to the fore during these championships. Expect a closely-fought contest between these two European rivals, but it should be the Azzurrini who ultimately progress to the final.

Editor's Prediction
Italy U-21 2-1 Netherlands U-21

15.06. (Sat) 17:30 Spain U21 - Norway U21

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

SPAIN U21
Gea
Montoya • Bartra • Martínez • Moreno
Alcântara • Illarramendi • Muniain
Tello • Isco
Morata

NORWAY U21
Håskjold
Elabdellaoui • Rogne • Berge • Strandberg
Singh • Johansen • Eikrem
Berget • Pedersen • Nielsen

Spain go into their European Under-21 Championship semi final against Norway on Saturday as firm favourites to reach the final for the second successive tournament.

Julen Lopetegui’s side are currently on a staggering 24-match unbeaten run at this level and the 2011 champions won all three of their group stage encounters without conceding a single goal.

Malaga midfielder Ignacio Camacho is the only injury doubt for la Roja after limping off against the Netherlands with a sprained ankle but is expected to recover in time for the semi-final showdown.

Group A runners up Norway are the tournament’s surprise package having booked their place in the final four at the expense of England and hosts Israel.

Like their opponents, the Scandinavians came through the group stages unbeaten and Tor Ole Skullerud has a fully fit squad to choose from after making nine changes for their 1-1 draw with Italy in Tel Aviv.

DID YOU KNOW?
Spain are looking to retain the championship having won the 2011 tournament in Denmark.
La Roja have won the Under-21 Championships three times in their history – only Italy (5) have won it on more occasions.
Alvaro Morata (pictured, right) is the tournaments top scorer with three goals, having netted in every group match.
Norway have never reached a final at any age group in Uefa competitions.

Their best performance at Under-21 level was a semi final appearance in 1998 – where they lost to Spain.
Harmeet Singh is the most experienced Under-21 player at this year’s tournament, winning 37 caps for Norway at this level.

PREDICTION
Norway have shown a lot of heart with their performances so far - fighting back with ten-men to snatch a draw with Israel and coming seconds away from a memorable victory against Italy - but it will take more than a bit of team spirit to derail Spain's route to the final. The holders have yet to concede a goal and that probably won't change in a comfortable victory in Netanya for Lopetegui's side.

Editor's Prediction
Spain U-21 3-0 Norway U-21

12.06. (Wed) 02:00 Spain - Ireland

PROBABLE LINEUPS

SPAIN
Casillas
Azpilicueta • Piqué • Ramos • Alba
Iniesta • Martínez • Xavi
Mata • Torres • Navas

IRELAND
Forde
Coleman • Ledger • Delaney • Kelly
Cox • McCarthy • Quinn • McClean
Sammon • Keane

Vicente del Bosque will look to continue his side's preparation for the 2013 Confederations Cup when they take on the Republic of Ireland at Yankee Stadium on June 11.

Goals from Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla ensured La Roja picked up a 2-1 win against Haiti on June 8 and the duo will be keen to maintain pressure on Andres Iniesta and Xavi for a starting place against Ireland.

Fernando Torres started the game against Haiti, but Del Bosque will have a welcome selection headache with Roberto Soldado and record goalscorer David Villa also vying for a place.

Just four players remain in the Ireland squad from the team that lost to Spain at Euro 2012, with Simon Cox, Sean St Ledger, James McClean and Robbie Keane included for the tie.

Giovanni Trapattoni's Boys in Green will be without the services of several players, including Shane Long and Aiden McGeady, while goalkeeper Keiren Westwood has been ruled out with an injury, meaning David Forde is likely to start.

John O'Shea pulled out of the squad due to a bereavement, while Stoke City duo Marc Wilson and Jonathan Walters are both out of contention with injuries. Centre back Richard Dunne is also unavailable for the clash.

DID YOU KNOW?
Reigning world and European champions Spain are unbeaten in their last 21 games. Their last defeat came against England in a friendly at Wembley in November 2011, where a Frank Lampard goal was the difference between the sides.
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has been in charge of La Roja since July 2008, when he took over from Luis Aragones, who had just guided the team to glory in Euro 2008.

Barcelona striker David Villa is Spain's record goal-scorer, with 53 goals. He remains the only Spanish player to reach 50 international goals.
The Republic of Ireland have faced Spain on 25 occasions, winning only four times and losing 14. Their last win against Spain came in April 1989 at Lansdowne Road, where an own goal from Real Madrid's Michel granted an Irish victory.

Ireland last faced Spain in Euro 2012, where they lost 4-0, a game in which Spain set a record for the most passes made in a European Championships game (859).
Since meeting Spain a year ago in June 2012, Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland have fallen 23 places in Fifa's World Ranking table to 41. Spain, meanwhile, have been continuously ranked number one since September 2011.

PREDICTION
Spain defeated Ireland with ease when the sides last met at Euro 2012 and, although Giovanni Trapattoni's team has changed significantly, La Roja should find little difficulty against a weakened Irish defence.

Editor's Prediction
Spain 2-0 Ireland

„Rakete” iz Koreje SLOBODAN BOBE PAVKOVIĆ (SINGAPUR) ANALIZIRA AZIJSKE KVALIFIKACIJE ZA SP

Slobodan Bobe Pavković ogromno azijsko prostranstvo „spakovao” je u mali prst. Nekadašnji prvotimac Vojvodine i Partizana, kasnije uspešan trener i selektor, već nekoliko godina nalazi se na mestu tehničkog direktora Fudbalskog saveza Singapura, pa je upućen u sva zbivanja na najmnogoljudnijem kontinentu.

GRUPA A
LIBAN - J. KOREJA 2 - Domaćin igra nepredvidivo. Može da iznenadi i jače od sebe, ali i da izgubi već „dobijen” meč. Ipak, kvalitet je u velikoj meri na strani gostiju. Južna Koreja je najozbiljniji tim u svojoj grupi.

GRUPA B
JAPAN - AUSTRALIJA 1 - Gosti ni sa novim selektorom nisu zabeležili očekivani napredak u svojoj igri, pa je Japan, koji je već obezbedio plasman na Mundijal, veliki favorit na ovom meču.

02.06. (Sun) 21:00 Brazil - England

PROBABLE LINEUPS

BRAZIL
Cesar
Alves, Thiago Silva, Luiz, Marcelo
Ramires, Paulinho, Moura
Neymar, Hulk, Damiao

ENGLAND
Hart
Johnson, Jones, Lescott, Cole
Carrick, Lampard, Milner
Walcott, Rooney, Welbeck

Premier League-based trio David Luiz, Ramires and Julio Cesar are all expected to start, while Oscar will be competing against the likes of Lucas Moura and Paulinho for a spot in midfield.

New Barcelona striker Neymar could feature from the off, as youngster Bernard while be hoping to add to his one cap after his surprising call-up to the Confederations Cup squad.

For England, striker Daniel Sturridge (ankle ligament) is waiting on scan results after injuring himself during Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Republic of Ireland. Jermain Defoe came on in place of the Liverpool man at Wembley to partner Wayne Rooney, but is struggling with an Achilles problem, while Danny Welbeck will also be hoping for some game time.

Roy Hodgson may well change his central defensive partnership as he continues to decide on his first choice pairing following the retirements of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, while the more experienced James Milner will be hoping for a start after being afforded just a short cameo against Ireland.

DID YOU KNOW?
The last time Brazil hosted England at Maracana was in 1984, when goals from John Barnes and Mark Hateley secured a famous 2-0 win for the visitors.
Despite being just 21 years old, Neymar is the highest-scoring member of the current Selecao squad with 20 goals.
Brazil legend Ronaldo scored his first ever international goal against England, in a 3-1 win at Wembley in 1995.
England won their last meeting with Brazil, in February, but that was their first triumph over Selecao since 1990.
Wayne Rooney has scored seven goals in his last eight games for the Three Lions.
The game on Sunday marks the official reopening of the Maracana before the 2014 World Cup - these two teams also met to mark the senior England side's first competitive game at the new Wembley in 2007.

01.06. (Sat) 20:00 Bayern Munchen - Stuttgart

PROBABLE LINEUPS

BAYERN MUNICH
Neuer
Lahm • Boateng • Buyten • Alaba
Martínez • Schweinsteiger
Robben • Müller • Ribéry
Mandžukić

STUTTGART
Ulreich
Sakai • Taşçı • Niedermeier • Molinaro
Gentner • Boka
Harnik • Traoré • Maxim
Ibišević

Bayern Munich have been dealt a blow with the news that Dante and Luiz Gustavo will miss the DFB-Pokal final due to their involvement in the Confederations Cup late in June.

While the latter would have started from the bench, the former will be replaced by Daniel Van Buyten at the heart of defence.

Meanwhile, Toni Kroos is sidelined until the start of next season and Holger Badstuber will miss the rest of 2013.

Meanwhile, Stuttgart have an almost full-strength squad to pick from. Daniel Didavi has a knee problem, but was unlikely to play anyway.

Ibrahima Traore will replace Shinji Okazaki from the team who drew 2-2 with Mainz on the final day of the Bundesliga season, but they should be unchanged otherwise, with Alexandru Maxim keeping his place in the XI.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Pokal final will be Bayern Munich boss' Jupp Heynckes' final game in German football. He represented Borussia Monchengladbach and Hannover as a player before coaching the Foals, the Bavarians, Frankfurt, Schalke and Leverkusen.
Bayern have won the Pokal 15 times, more than any other club.
Captain Philipp Lahm spent time on loan at Stuttgart as a youngster, while striker Mario Gomez started his career at the Mercedes Benz Arena.
Stuttgart lost to Bavarian opposition last time they reached the DFB-Pokal final, slipping to a 3-2 defeat to Nurnberg in extra time.
The Swabians won two of the first six editions of the competition in its current incarnation, but have only won it once since 1997.
Coach Bruno Labbadia spent three years at the Allianz Arena during his playing days.

Prediction
Bayern will certainly feel the absence of Dante, who has been the mainstay of the side's defence, but should end up on top nonetheless. They have recorded two comprehensive victories over their southern rivals this term and should encounter no serious problems on Saturday.

Editor's Prediction
Bayern 3-1 VfB Stuttgart

01.06. (Sat) 19:00 Barcelona - Malaga

PROBABLE LINEUPS

BARCELONA
Valdés
Alves • Piqué • Mascherano • Alba
Xavi • Song • Iniesta
Pedro • Fàbregas • Sánchez

MALAGA
Caballero
Gámez • Demichelis • Weligton • Eliseu
Camacho • Toulalan
Joaquín • Baptista • Isco
Cruz

Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova has no fresh fitness concerns heading into Saturday's Liga encounter against Malaga.

Captain Carles Puyol remains absent with a knee problem, while Lionel Messi is unlikely to be risked as he continues his recovery from a hamstring strain.

Eric Abidal is set to make a farewell appearance after Barca announced they will not be renewing the Frenchman's contract into next season.

Malaga defender Martin Demichelis pulled his hamstring in training and is a doubt for the trip to Camp Nou.

Midfielder Manuel Iturra and goalkeeper Carlos Kameni are both likely to miss out with knee injuries.

DID YOU KNOW?
Barcelona are on a four-game winning run in La Liga.
The Blaugrana have won their last 14 Liga matches at Camp Nou.
Alexis Sanchez has scored three goals in his last three appearances for Barca.
Malaga are on a five-match losing run away from home in all competitions.
The Andalusian side have lost 10 of their last 11 meetings with Barcelona.
Malaga's last away win over Barca came in November 1999.

Prediction
Malaga face a crucial summer as they hunt for a replacement for Manuel Pellegrini while warding off interest in their most exciting talent in Isco. Barcelona have recovered well after their crushing defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League and should close out the season with a win.

Editor's Prediction
Barcelona 2-1 Malaga

01.06. (Sat) 17:00 Real - Osasuna

PROBABLE LINEUPS

REAL MADRID
López
Arbeloa • Albiol • Ramos • Coentrão
Essien • Modrić
Callejón • Özil • Benzema
Higuaín

OSASUNA
Fernández
Bertrán • Rubén • Arribas • Oier
Puñal • Silva
Shojaei • Armenteros • Cuevas
Sola

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo could miss the home encounter against Osasuna as he continues to manage a back problem.

Raphael Varane (knee) and Sami Khedira (suspension) are both sidelined, while Pepe, Xabi Alonso and Kaka are all doubts.

However, goalkeeper Iker Casillas and defenders Sergio Ramos and Fabio Coentrao should be available after missing the 3-3 draw at Real Sociedad through injury.

Osasuna defender Damia is suspended after picking up his 15th booking of the season in the win over Sevilla but midfielder Nano is available after serving a one-match ban.

Lolo, Miguel Flano, Sisi, Anthony Annan and Nino are all out injured for the visitors, who have already secured their top-flight status for next season.

DID YOU KNOW?
Real Madrid are on a 10-match winning run at home in La Liga.
Los Blancos have kept a clean sheet in just one of their last eight matches in all competitions.
Gonzalo Higuain has scored three goals in his last two appearances against Osasuna.
Osasuna have only won two of their last eight matches in La Liga (W2, D2, L4).
The Pamplona club have lost four of their last five meetings with Real Madrid.
Osasuna’s last away win over Madrid came in April 2004.

Prediction
Osasuna’s win over Sevilla made this match a dead rubber, but the home side will have been irked by their 3-3 draw against Real Sociedad last weekend and will want to end the season on a positive note.

Editor's Prediction
Real Madrid 3-1 Osasuna

Geteborg juri lidera ZORAN MANOVIĆ, TRENER U ASIRISKI (ŠVEDSKA)

Helsingborg je na prvom mestu, igra u stabilnoj formi, pa je protiv Atvidaberga veliki favorit. Motiv domaćina da ostane na čelu tabele mora da presudi na ovoj utakmici. Ester je na dnu tabele, a u ovom kolu dočekuje Geteborg, koji je za petama vodećem Helsingborgu. Mislim da je dvojka sigurna.

Iz Druge lige prvi fiks je jedinica na vodeći Erebro, na čijem terenu gostuje Estersund. Kako sada stvari stoje, domaćin je jedan od glavnih kandidata za ulazak u elitu.


ŠVEDSKA 1
ESTER - GETEBORG 2
Bromapojkarna - Malme x2
Haken - Elfsborg 12
HELSINGBORG - ATVIDABERG 1
Mjalbi - Halmštad 1

ŠVEDSKA 2
GAIS - Asiriska x
Landskrona - Brage 1
VARBERG - VARNAMO 1
Degerforš - Ljungskile 1x
EREBRO - ESTERSUND 1

„Mina” za Deportivo POSLEDNJE KOLO U ŠPANIJI 1 - ČETIRI KANDIDATA ZA JEDNO MESTO U ELITI

Šampion je Barselona, koja će sa Realom i Atletikom iz Madrida da igra Ligu šammpiona.

Za četvrto mesto koje vodi u kvalifikacije za Ligu šampiona bore se Valensija (65) i Sosijedad (63). Baskijci su u oba meča pobedili „slepe miševe”, tako da Valensija mora da pobedi Sevilju u gostima da bi osigurala četvrtu poziciju.

Tri ekipe ispadaju, a strepe Majorka (33), Saragosa i Selta (po 34) i Deportivo (35). U najboljoj situaciji je Deportivo, koji ako pobedi Sosijedad sigurno opstaje. Ukoliko ekipa iz La Korunje ne dobije, šansu vreba Selta (ima bolji međusobni skor od Saragose) koja mora da pobedi nezainteresovani Espanjol. Saragosa može da opstane samo ako Deportivo i Selta ne dobiju, a tim sa „Romarede” pobedi bezbrižni Atletiko. U najgoroj situaciji je Majorka, koja može da ostane u Primeri samo ako Deportivo izgubi, a Saragosa i Selta ne pobede.

Večiti za pehar JUGOSLAV VASOVIĆ, BIVŠI VATERPOLO AS, ANALIZIRA F4 LIGE ŠAMPIONA

Kao i svi u Srbiji i ja priželjkujem srpsko finale. Međutim, neće biti lako ni Crvenoj zvezdi, a pogotovo Partizanu. Najjača ekipa je Jug. Da se ne igra u Beogradu verovatno se ne bi postavljalo pitanje ko će da osvoji pehar. Iako je tim iz Dubrovnika favorit, verujem da Partizan može do pobede. Crno-beli su ove godine pokazali da znaju da igraju protiv najjačih ekipa. Domaći bazen i podrška publike sigurno će da bude vetar u leđa Partizanu.

MOJ TIP
Partizan (Srb) - Jug (Hrv) 1(h)
Crvena zvezda (Srb) - Barseloneta (Špa) 1

Silan Dalian ALEKSANDAR JEVTIĆ (JIANGCU, KINA)

Fiks kola je pobeda Daliana nad Tianjinom. Domaćin ima neuporedivo kvalitetniji sastav i očekujem da lako izađe na kraj sa „fenjerašem”.

Verujem da će Peking savladati Liaoning i uhvatiti korak za vodećima. Tim iz prestonice je nalik Crvenoj zvezdi. Tribine su mu pune, navijači strastveni i veoma je teško igrati u takvim okolnostima. Iz tog razloga, jedinica na Peking. Moj Jiangcu dočekuje Hangžu, protiv kojeg uvek igramo dobro, pa tri boda ne bi trebala da dođu u pitanje.

MOJ TIP
Čangčun - Gvangžu RF 1
Vuhan - Kingdo 1
Gvižu - Šangaj Šenhua x
Peking - Liaoning 1
DALIAN - TIANJIN 1
Jiangcu - Hangžu 1

29.05. (Wed) 21:00 England - Ireland

PROBABLE LINEUPS

England
Hart
Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Cole
Walcott, Carrick, Lampard, Milner
Rooney, Sturridge

Republic of Ireland
Forde
Coleman, O'Shea, St Ledger, Kelly
Walters, McCarthy, Whelan, McGeady
Keane, Long

England boss Roy Hodgson is without Kyle Walker (fibula), Tom Cleverly (calf), Steven Gerrard (shoulder), Andy Carroll (heel) and Jack Wilshere (ankle), who all pulled out of the squad through injury.

Gary Cahill has been playing alongside Phil Jagielka in training and that pair are expected to start in defence for the first England match since Rio Ferdinand joined John Terry in announcing his international retirement.

Daniel Sturridge is expected to start alongside Wayne Rooney in attack after finishing the season in fine form for Liverpool, while Ashley Cole will skipper the side.

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has opted not to risk Marc Wilson (calf), as the Stoke defender is struggling through injury, meaning Reading full-back Stephen Kelly comes into the side.

Sean St Ledger will partner John O'Shea in the centre of defense, with Aston Villa's Ciaran Clark left out of the squad through injury and Richard Dunne lacking match fitness.

Robbie Keane gained special dispensation from his club LA Galaxy to play in this friendly and he will be partnered up front by Shane Long, with Kevin Doyle (Achilles tendon) absent through injury.

DID YOU KNOW?
This is Republic of Ireland's first visit to England since 1991, with the game organised as part of the FA's ongoing 150th anniversary celebrations.
The match had to be abandoned the last time these two nations met in 1995, as a minority of England fans provoked a riot at Dublin's Lansdowne Road that led to 20 arrests and 40 injuries.
Ashley Cole (pictured, right) will captain the Three Lions after earning his 100th international cap against Brazil in February, though declined to perform other captain's duties such as speaking to the press.
England have not beaten Ireland in any of their last five encounters, with the Boys in Green collecting five points from their last three qualifiers in London.
The Three Lions are unbeaten in their last five games at Wembley, including victories over Belgium, Italy and Brazil.
There are seven English-born players in Giovanni Trapattoni's squad.

Prediction
Ireland have proved themselves to be a hard nut to crack under Giovanni Trapattoni, but England's fine recent form at Wembley should ensure that the birthday celebrations continue with a narrow victory.

Editor's Prediction
England 2-1 Ireland