Joe Hart, James Milner, Joleon Lescott and Jack Rodwell will all be hoping to feature for Roy Hodgson’s side when they face the Irish at Wembley on Wednesday night, before taking on Brazil in Rio de Janeiro on 2 June.
Rodwell is the least experienced of the four at international level, and will be aiming to add to his two caps. The midfielder has suffered an injury-hampered season with the Blues this term, but scored a brace against Norwich on the final day of the 2012/13 domestic campaign.
By contrast, his three teammates are familiar faces in the England set up having collected 90 caps between them.
The trio all started in England’s vital World Cup qualifier against Montenegro in March, while Hart and Lescott completed 90 minutes in the 8-0 drubbing of San Marino.
It is the first time that England have played Ireland since 1995, when the match was abandoned after 27 minutes at Lansdowne Road, Dublin.
By contrast, England’s undisputed no.1 will have fond memories of Sunday’s opponents, Brazil, after he dramatically saved a penalty in February’s 2-1 victory at Wembley before clawing away the rebound.
We’ll bring you full updates on how they get on after both games on mcfc.co.uk!
Meanwhile, Academy product Greg Leigh has been enhancing his England reputation with the U19 age group in their European Championship qualifiers.
The 19-year-old was part of the side who came back to earn a hard-fought point against Georgia in their opening game, despite going down to ten men after just seven minutes.
Playing in his favoured left back role, the youngster also managed 45 minutes of a 1-1 draw with Belgium on Sunday.
Still in with a chance to earn qualification to the Championships proper, Greg will be hoping to be involved on Wednesday night when Noel Blake’s men take on Scotland.
