Here’s a quick round-up of Boro players involvement on the international scene this week:
Stewart Downing received his 17th cap for England by replacing Joe Cole at half time in the 1-0 defeat to France in Paris. David Wheater initially made the 30 man squad but was omitted when Fabio Capello cut it to 23. Ex-Boro player Jonathan Woodgate also made the squad.
Adam Johnson was Man of the Match as England U21s held their Polish counterparts to a 0-0 draw at Molineux. Lee Cattermole pulled out of the squad at the last minute due to a hamstring injury.
Robert Huth had to pull out of Germanys friendly v Switzerland due to a foot injury.
Mark Schwarzer saved a penalty 3 minutes from time in Australias World Cup Qualifier in China. This earned The Socceroos a goal-less draw and another point in their quest to make the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Ex Boro midfielder Luke Wilkshire also played the 90 minutes
Tuncay Sanli scored Turkeys 1st goal and set up another in their 2-2 draw with Belarus. He was finally substituted on 78 minutes.
Emanuel Pogatetz played the full 90 minutes for Austria in their 4-3 defeat to Holland in Vienna. This came after Austria led 3-1 at half time. It was thought Pogatetz would miss the game to recover from a slight calf strain but he lasted the full game.
Mohamed Shawky was in Egypt’s starting lineup for their 2-0 defeat to Argentina in Cairo.
Josh Walker played the full 90 minutes for England U19s in a 3-1 win v Russia at MK Dons. Boro goalkeeper Jason Steele played the 2nd 45 minutes.
Rhys Williams earned his 6th Wales U21 cap, by playing the full game, in a 2-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The game played in Sarajevo saw Wales win for a 5th successive game and keep them 4 points ahead in their European U21 Qualifying group.
by Shaun71