England expects... better

As the month of March draws to a close, it's time for the world's football stars to answer their countries' calls. On Saturday and Wednesday, the decks have been cleared to make way for a raft of international fixtures.

For England, the games come at an awkward time. Following a string of below-par performances, manager Steve McClaren needs a rousing display from his team to get the fans off his back and back on side. Unfortunately for him, his squad will have had precious little preparation time together ahead of two away matches. Most of his likely starting 11 will have been on club duty in the FA Cup replays earlier in the week.

Of the two games, Saturday's match in Tel Aviv against Israel should be the sterner test. Despite ongoing disputes that fill the newspapers and news bulletins with images of destruction and carnage, Israel's footballers are a competent band capable of surprising the world's best national sides. England will have to be on their guard. The match is on SS1, with coverage from 5.30pm for a 6.30pm kick-off.

Wednesday's match, against Andorra, is less daunting. England put five past the micro-nation in the reverse, and the players will naturally hope to fill their boots this time around. Coverage of the match, which is being held at Espanyol's Olympic Stadium in Spain, starts at 7.00pm on SS1, with kick-off at 7.45pm.

Wales' trip to Croke Park in Dublin to face the Republic of Ireland on Saturday should be a match to remember, as familiar rivals from the Premiership and lower leagues tussle in their countries' colours. The game kicks off at 3.00pm, with coverage on SS1 from 2.30pm.

Strong home support and a mismatch in class should mean a comfortable win for Wales in their second match, against San Marino on Wednesday. Tune in to SS3 from 7.30pm for the match, which kicks off at 8.00pm.