Busy week for England's best

By Helen Bendell helen.bendell@william-reed.co.uk

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags England national football team David beckham England

Fabio Capello's reign as England manager started auspiciously - though previous boss Steve McClaren also won the first match of his short tenure...

Fabio Capello's reign as England manager started auspiciously - though previous boss Steve McClaren also won the first match of his short tenure which ended so dismally with non-qualification for Euro 2008.

The Italian's second match in charge sees England travel to Paris. France are currently seventh in FIFA's world rankings, while England are languishing just outside the top 10.

The French only just managed to qualify for Euro 2008, pipping Scotland by two points - but at least they will actually be making the trip to Switzerland and Austria this summer.

Last time the two sides met was in the group stages of Euro 2004, when Zinedine Zidane's injury-time penalty sealed a 2-1 for France, but England have the edge when it comes to the statistics. The two nations have faced each other on 26 occasions, with England winning 16 games, drawing four and coming off worst in six.

Find out whether they can continue to maintain the upper hand at the Stade de France on Wednesday. All the action is on SS1 from 7.30pm, with KO at 8.00pm.

A massive Sunday in the Premiership sees the big four face off in a tantalising pair of six-pointers. All four of the top-four clubs will, of course, be in action in the Champions League quarter-finals in April.

Liverpool will be attempting to turn around their dire record at Old Trafford, where they have failed to beat the home side on the last seven visits (SS1, 1.00pm). Rafa Benitez's side need to stay ahead of Everton to book a place in Europe next season.

Later in the afternoon, Arsenal will hope to hold their away form in the London derby at Stamford Bridge (SS1, 3.30pm). The Gunners beat Chelsea 1-0 in December thanks to a William Gallas header - Arsenal's first win against the captain's former team since February 2004.

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