Sverkos given chance to shine

Sverkos hope
The Czechs, who lie second behind Austria in Group 3, scored just twice in five games in the Qatar U21 tournament last month, losing to Brazil and China. Much is expected of FC Baník Ostava's Sverkos, who leads the Czech First Division scoring charts with ten goals and is making his international debut at this level. Trojan, meanwhile, has impressed in recent months at FC Schalke 04, where he has played since the age of 16.

Tournament suspension
The pair were due to play in the FIFA U20 World Championships in the UAE earlier this month, but the competition was postponed when it became clear that conflict in the Gulf was imminent.

Must-win game 
Elsewhere France take on Malta in Lille looking to extend their six-point advantage at the top of Group 1. Coach Raymond Domenech, a candidate to replace Jean Tigana at Fulham FC next season according to media reports, has claimed that only victory is acceptable. "A win is the only thing on our minds," Domenech said. "In a competition like this, a home draw or loss is strictly prohibited even though Malta will play with ten at the back."

Mendy warning
The French defeated Malta 3-0 last October but Bolton Wanderers FC defender Bernard Mendy has warned against taking the opposition lightly. "It was not easy to open the scoring over there," he recalled.

'Important game'
In the same group, Cyprus, who are third ahead of Slovenia and bottom-placed Malta, host Israel at the Ammohostos stadium in Larnaca. "This is a very important game as we will need to get the three points to strengthen our chances of seizing second spot," coach Sofoulis Stylianou said.

Cassano conundrum
Italy face Group 9 leaders Finland in Trapani without AS Roma's Antonio Cassano, who was selected by Claudio Gentile but ruled himself out, claiming he had a thigh injury. It is the fourth time the forward has pulled out in the run-up to a match. Alberto Gilardino of Parma AC has been drafted in as a replacement.

Debut chance
England, who trail Group 7 pacesetters Turkey, meet Portugal in what will be a testing match. Coach David Platt is ready to hand a trio of players debuts after calling up Chelsea FC striker Carlton Cole, West Ham FC full-back Glen Johnson and Leicester City FC midfield player Jordan Stewart for the first time.

Other matches
Elsewhere, Germany play Lithuania in Group 9; Croatia do battle with joint Group 8 frontrunners Belgium while Romania go head to head with Denmark in Group 2; Wales face Azerbaijan at home in Group 9; Group 10 bottom side Georgia welcome the Republic of Ireland while Scotland, in Group 5, square up to Iceland. Of the remaining games, the most attractive is Spain's encounter with the Ukraine in Group 6, which is led by Greece.