International break guide: Here the best fixtures prior to World Cup
If you are having withdrawal symptoms from the Premier League then have no fear as the world’s best stars will be in action over the course of the weekend.
England face two high-profile friendlies against Holland and Italy while fans should also be licking their lips at the prospect of Argentina taking on Italy and Spain.
Here, Sportsmail runs you through the games to look out for this weekend…
FRIDAY
Russia vs Brazil (Luzhniki Stadium, Russia — 4pm KO)
Over 60,000 tickets have been sold for this clash. Luzhniki Stadium is one of the 12 venues for this summer’s World Cup – it will also host the final on July 15. The visitors are one of the favourites to lift the title in Russia and Gabriel Jesus is expected to start on his own in attack.
Brazil are gearing up to face 2018 World Cup hosts Russia on Friday afternoon
Germany vs Spain (Esprit Arena, Germany — 7.45pm KO)
A tasty encounter between the previous two world champions. Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil and Manchester City’s Leroy Sane are expected to feature for Germany, while former Chelsea striker Diego Costa could start up front for Spain.
Portugal vs Egypt (Letzigrund, Switzerland — 7.45pm KO)
A fascinating tie. Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool’s Mo Salah will go head-to-head in Switzerland having both scored four goals for their club on their most recent outing. European champions Portugal are favourites to win but Egypt may well cause a shock.
Argentina vs Italy (Etihad Stadium, England — 7.45pm KO)
There has been plenty of build-up to this one with Lionel Messi and the Argentina side training at Manchester City. Italy failed to qualify for this summer’s World Cup, but Argentina head coach Jorge Sampaoli believes his side will be given a good test.
Lionel Messi and his fellow Argentina stars will face Italy at Manchester City’s stadium
Holland vs England (Johan Cruyff Arena, Holland — 7.45pm KO)
Holland’s new era under Ronald Koeman kicks off as Gareth Southgate opts for a varied choice of side yet again. Leicester striker Jamie Vardy could start up front on his own with Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling either side of him in deeper positions.
France vs Colombia (Stade de France, France — 8pm)
France are unbeaten in their last seven matches and will be cheered on by a vocal home support. Radamel Falcao will offer hope for the visitors but Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele should provide enough of a threat in attack.
Paul Pogba (right) will be hoping to shake off his Man United struggles against Colombia
MONDAY
Portugal vs Holland (Stade de Geneve, Switzerland — 7.30pm KO)
Another exciting contest. Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk has already said his team-mates will be taking the game seriously despite being one of the sides to miss out on this summer’s tournament. It will be up to him and his fellow defenders to stop Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal team-mates will face Holland in Switzerland