Changes for France and England

Versatile Arsenal FC midfielder Mathieu Flamini, 22, and Olympique de Marseille centre-back Julien Rodriguez have been called into the France squad for Wednesday's friendly game against Argentina in Paris. It is the first time former Under-21 player Flamini has been selected for the full France squad. Philippe Mexes has a foot injury and there are concerns over William Gallas, Lilian Thuram, Jean-Alain Boumsong and Eric Abidal. Rodriguez, 28, said: "It's a surprise to me to have been called up but certainly an honour." Both players are uncapped.

The Everton FC forward Andy Johnson has an ankle injury and will play no part in England's friendly against Spain, leaving manager Steve McClaren with just three fit forwards. One of them, Wayne Rooney, is also doubtful after sustaining what appeared to be a back strain during Manchester United FC's 4-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur FC on Sunday. Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland and defender Wayne Bridge have also been forced to withdraw through injury. Steven Gerrard will captain England in the absence of regular skipper John Terry. Looking ahead to Group E games against Israel and Andorra, the Liverpool FC talisman said: "If we can get a good win and a decent performance on Wednesday night it will be good for confidence going into our next qualifiers. They are must-win games."

Brazil will be without PSV Eindhoven defender Alex Rodrigo for Tuesday's game against Portugal because of a thigh injury while Newcastle United FC's Emre Belözoglu (calf) and fellow midfielder Yildiray Bastürk (knee) of Hertha BSC have withdrawn from the Turkey squad to face Georgia on Wednesday. Coach Fatih Terim has not named any replacements for a match that will mark the end of Tugay Kerimoglu's international career.

AFC Ajax defenders Urby Emanuelson and John Heitinga have both withdrawn from the Netherlands squad for Wednesday's friendly game against Russia in Amsterdam after picking up injuries in Sunday's 4-1 win against Feyenoord. A knee problem for Emanuelson and a thigh injury for Heitinga have reduced Marco van Basten's squad to 18. No replacements have been called up.

Kazakhstan coach Arno Pijpers has named a 19-man squad for two friendly games against China to be played on 7 and 9 February. Injured FC Tobol Kostanay defender Aleksandr Familtsev has been replaced by FC Astana's Denis Volodin, while Yuriy Novikov and Ruslan Baltiev have been included, even though both are currently without clubs.

Cyprus have brought in Apollon Limassol FC defender Christis Theophilou and AEL Limassol FC midfielder Asimakis Krassas to replace the injured George Theodoutou and Stelios Okkarides as they prepare to face Hungary and then either Bulgaria or Latvia in the Cyprus international tournament. AEL youngster Elias Vattis and AEK Larnaca FC’s Parasevkas Christou both receive first call-ups.

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez has called up two players from Scottish sides, Ross County FC defender Sean Webb and Hibernian FC attacker Dean Shiels, for Tuesday night's international friendly against Wales in Belfast. Both were involved on last year's USA tour, which included friendlies against Uruguay and Romania. Striker Peter Thompson, from Irish League champions Linfield FC, is also included. The home squad is down to only 16 men after Birmingham City FC midfielder Damien Johnson became the latest to withdraw, following Chris Baird, Roy Carroll, Stuart Elliott, Jonny Evans, David Healy, and Steve Jones.