Fabio Capello will use six substitutions, the maximum permitted for a friendly, in tonight’s match between England and Holland - which means that neither John Terry nor Frank Lampard are likely to complete the full 90 minutes.
Chelsea have a 12.45pm kick-off against Hull City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, which starts the Premier League season, and manager Carlo Ancelotti is keen for none of his players to complete this evening’s match in Amsterdam, which is also likely to mean Ashley Cole is withdrawn at some stage.
Aston Villa’s Emile Heskey, who has a sore Achilles tendon, a constant injury concern, is also unlikely to see out the full 90 minutes, while Paul Robinson should replace Robert Green in goal at some stage.
“I have to choose the best players for the England team because I think the national team is very important. I will do six substitutions tomorrow,” Capello said. “I try to help the managers, always. So I hope that they'll help me in the future.”
The changes will come as no surprise to England supporters who have turned out in force for the short trip to Amsterdam - which, in itself, is hardly a surprise given the obvious attractions of the Dutch capital.
Heavy rain this morning, however, has confined many to the bars and cafes which ring the city - although they would probably have chosen to go there in any case.
The Dutch are taking a slightly more apathetic approach to the encounter, although coach Bert Van Marwijk is expected to field his strongest available line-up and then, like Capello, make wholesale changes.
A difference for the Dutch is that a number of their key players, such as Real Madrid’s Rafael van der Vaart, have been marginalised at their club sides and so many gain more playing time today.
The Premier League contingent - Dirk Kuyt, Robin Van Persie and Nigel de Jong - can all expect to be substituted.
Capello will start with David Beckham on the right of midfield, as Theo Walcott is not fully fit, and the former captain, in the middle of his domestic season with LA Galaxy, may finally get the chance to play a full game under the Italian.
Ashley Young makes his first start and Carlton Cole is expected to come off the bench.
Not that Capello is not taking the occasion seriously.
“The result is always important,” he said, as England prepare to face the nation ranked the third best in the world and the first European country to have qualified for next summer’s World Cup.
“But I'm focused for the game against Croatia (the World Cup qualifier next month at Wembley).
“We have a short time to decide the best players for this game. For this reason, it'll be important, this. To recreate another time the spirit of the group. For this reason, it's important.”
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