International week gets kicked off bright and early Wednesday, as Papua New Guinea and Tahiti tangle to stay alive for Oceania’s berth in the 2018 World Cup at 2 a.m. EDT.
[ MORE: Cameron pumped for USMNT return ]
There’s also a nine-spot of friendlies on tap.
Germany vs. England -- 3:45 p.m. EDT Wednesday
It’ll be called a glamour friendly, but England’s trip to Germany is more of a depth test than anything else thanks to injuries on both sides.
There’s no Manuel Neuer, Julian Draxler, Mario Gomez, and Mesut Ozil for Germany, while Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, and Daniel Sturridge are out for England and Raheem Sterling is a question.
Lukas Podolski takes the arm band for his final cap, No. 130, as Germany looks to keep up its fine international form. It’ll be interesting to see whether Joachim Loew hands uncapped striker Timo Werner of RB Leipzig a start.
A perfect 4-for-4 in World Cup qualifying, Germany is off to Azerbaijan after the match. Gareth Southgate has England atop Group F with a 3-1 record, and the Three Lions have yet to concede in qualifying. They host Lithuania on Sunday
Scotland vs. Canada -- 3:45 p.m. EDT Wednesday
New manager Octavio Zambrano will get his first look at the Canucks since being named Canada boss when they visit Gordon Strachan’s Scottish side.
Canada will be captained by FC Edmonton’s Nik Ledgerwood in his 50th cap, and his leadership will be needed with the new boss and eight of 18 call-ups having five or fewer caps. Two defenders, La’Vere Corbin-Ong (FSV Frankfurt) and Luca Gasparotto (Falkirk) are complete uncapped.
Scotland will boast several in-form players, including Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser and Fulham’s Tom Cairney. Strachan will want to get the squad humming in the absence of Matt Phillips and James McArthur and a huge World Cup qualifier looming Sunday versus Slovenia.
Elsewhere
All times EDT
Vietnam vs. Chinese Taipei -- 7 a.m.
Cambodia vs. India -- 7:30 a.m.
Philippines va. Malaysia --7:30 a.m.
Cyprus vs. Kazakhstan -- Noon
Yemen vs. Palestine -- Noon
Curacao vs. El Salvador -- 8 p.m.
Bahrain vs. Tajikistan
WC Qualifier - Oceania
Papua New Guinea vs. Tahihi -- 2 a.m.
