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The headlining matchups tomorrow are obviously the second leg fixtures in the World Cup playoffs--all of the UEFA ties can arguably head in either direction, and while the tie between Egypt and Ghana is all but done after Ghana's resounding 6-1 win in the first leg, Burkina Faso and Algeria will meet with only goal to separate them. There's meaningful matches in England as well, with a number of FA Cup ties set for a crowded Tuesday evening calendar.
Most important, of course, is the glamour friendly between England and Germany at Wembley, a match so hotly anticipated that it's brought out the best in all involved, including the shocking admission from Roy Hodgson that he very nearly became the German manager. Or something close to that.
Anyhow, the Liverpool contingent has had a rough go of it for England, with only Glen Johnson and Jordan Henderson featuring in the loss against Chile. Steven Gerrard had pain-killing injections earlier in the week in hopes of being fit to face the Germans, and Daniel Sturridge, who declared himself fit yesterday, apparently had to stop training a bit ahead of schedule.
No matter--Roy says it's good, and both will be included tomorrow night:
Daniel Sturridge stopped #eng training early. Walked to pavillion with Gary Neville. Had talked yesterday over thigh niggle 'lingering'
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) November 18, 2013
Hodgson says Sturridge 'fine", says #eng will be: Hart; Walker Smalling Jagielka Cole; Townsend Gerrard Cleverley Lallana; Rooney; Sturridge
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) November 18, 2013
Merseyside derby on Saturday, Luis Suarez coming back from late Wednesday into Thursday, Daniel Sturridge with a lingering thigh problem, and Steven Gerrard in need of injections to help moderate his pain level. Yep, I'd say things are fine.