Phillip Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have all been included in the 24-man England squad that will face Portugal, who have Cristiano Ronaldo among their ranks.

Goalkeeper Tim Howard is in the USA squad for their friendly international against the Netherlands, who have Ruud Van Nistelrooy leading their front-line. With the form the two United gems are on, that could be one hell of a match-up in Amsterdam!

At the Millennium Stadium it's the battle of the Manchester United wingers, with Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs both involved as Wales take on Scotland in Wednesday's 'Battle of Britain'.

John O'Shea could also line-up against a team-mate as Ireland take on world champions Brazil in a glamour friendly international at Lansdowne Road. The United defender could well be marking midfielder Kleberson, who is out to prove a point after being openly critised by the Brazil boss for a dip in form on the international scene.

Other United players on international duty include Roy Carroll and three French players. Carroll is in the Northern Irish squad for provinces game against Norway, but the hard-working 'keeper may have to settle for a place on the bench due to the form of Birmingham's City's Mail Taylor.

Recent acquisition Louis Saha looks set to make his French debut, as the European Championship holders begin their preparation for their defence of the crown against Belgium. Fabien Barthez and Mikael Silvestre are also in the French squad, and will be likely to start the game.

It's great to see so many United players in international action. Let's hope all return safe and sound, and injury-free after the games. Matches take places on Wednesday 18th February, with kick-off times varying.

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