SELECTED INTERNATIONAL PREVIEWS – SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4 – TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 6

European World Cup Qualifying Group C – Czech Republic v Northern Ireland - Sunday 1945

World rankings: Czech Republic 34, Northern Ireland 28

·         After winning hearts during their spirited Euros campaign, Northern Ireland face a tricky encounter as they start their mission to qualify for another major tournament. The absence of Craig Cathcart from their defence due to injury is something they could have done without.

European World Cup Qualifying Group C – Norway v Germany - Sunday 1945

World rankings: Norway 50, Germany 4

·         Germany will expect to start their qualifying campaign with three points here.

European World Cup Qualifying Group F – Slovakia v England – Sunday 1700

World rankings: Slovakia 24, England 13

·         And so another new era for England commences, as they once again try and rebuild after a major tournament failure. It will be interesting to see who new manager Sam Allardyce picks in goal with both Fraser Forster and Jack Butland absent with injury. Joe Hart, now loaned to Torino, has played only one club match this season; Alex McCarthy is not even his club’s first choice and Tom Heaton has only one cap. West Ham midfielder Michail Antonio is the only new name in the squad, but will he get any game time? Slovakia should not be underestimated but England will fancy their chances, after all qualifying has not been their problem in recent years.

European World Cup Qualifying Group F – Malta v Scotland – Sunday 1945

World rankings: Malta 176, Scotland 50

·         Scotland, the only home nation not to make Euro 2016, now start the harder task of trying to secure a place in the next World Cup. If they cannot start with a win here then they will certainly be facing an uphill struggle.

European World Cup Qualifying Group D – Serbia v Ireland – Monday 1945

World rankings: Serbia 47, Ireland 31

·         Ireland start life without now retired record scorer Robbie Keane in this match. A draw would be a good result, not to mention an achievable one. Marc Wilson, Harry Arter, Paul McShane, David Forde, Alex Pearce, Eunan O'Kane and Callum O'Dowda all return after missing the Euros.

European World Cup Qualifying Group D – Wales v Moldova – Monday 1945

World rankings: Wales 11, Moldova 165

·         Cardiff will be buzzing as the crowd welcomes home Wales after their run to the Euro semis, and they will be confident of marking the occasion with a win, despite the loss of injured midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Jonny Williams.

European World Cup Qualifying Group B – Switzerland v Portugal – Tuesday 1945

World rankings: Switzerland 18, Portugal 6

·         A tough return to competitive football is in store for the European champions, and they will do extremely well to return with three points here.