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WEEKEND SOCCER HIGHLIGHTS: 22 - 24 March

ENTICING INTERNATIONAL CLASHES ON THE WEEKEND MENU International clashes dominate the football stage this weekend and there are several enticing clashes in what is the last international window for European countries to prepare for the EURO 2024 championship, which kicks off in Germany on 14 June. TAB has spiced up its weekend pools with cash add-ins to four bets, including a R200,000 boost to tonight’s Soccer 10. FRANCE A BIG TEST FOR BELEAGURED GERMANS Germany will host EURO 2024 and are hardly in the best shape for that role. They failed to make it past the group stage at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and have managed only three wins in 11 matches since, all of which resulted in national team manager Hansi Flick getting the boot last September. Julian Nagelsmann was appointed as the emergency replacement, ironically not long after being sacked by Bayern Munich, and given the thankless task of getting Germany back on track for EURO 2024. They promptly lost to Austria and Turkey in their last friendlies in November and head to Lyon tomorrow to take on France before hosting the Dutch on Tuesday. Both are critical matches for Germany, who will be hoping the return of Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos to international football after a two-year absence has a miraculous impact. İlkay Gündoğan is expected to retain the captain's armband. France likely will start with their best team before rotating some new faces in late in the game. They have a full-strength squad, barring Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, and only world champions Argentina are above them in the latest FIFA rankings. Once again England have high hopes of triumphing at the European championships after finishing runners-up four years ago and test their mettle against Brazil at Wembley tomorrow. Harry Kane remains a considerable doubt to lead England into the blockbuster clash with the five-time world champions after sustaining an ankle injury during the closing stages of Bayern Munich's 5-2 victory over Darmstadt last Saturday. Brazil will be missing stars like Neymar and Casemiro, but this presents an opportunity for newcomers in the team with the likes of Vinicius Jr and Richarlison expected to lead the attack. Brazil have their own problems and will be playing under new coach Dorival Junior for the first time after three defeats in a row. Good news for TAB soccer customers who are not fans of international soccer is that there are all-MLS Soccer 6 and 10 bets tomorrow. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS WEEKEND Injury issues for Holland, Spain raring to go, two new facies in England squad and no Messi for Inter Miami. * Ajax Amsterdam striker Brian Brobbey has pulled out of the Netherlands squad after sustaining a hamstring injury, while Joshua Zirkzee (muscle), Frenkie de Jong (ankle), Micky van de Ven (hamstring) and Sven Botman (ligament) may also miss tonight’s clash at home to Scotland. * Spain are expected to name a strong starting XI for tonight’s friendly against Colombia in London with captain Alvaro Morata, who has 34 goals for the national team, set to lead the line again. Nico Williams and Dani Olmo are likely to join Morata in the front three, while injury absences for Pedri and Gavi will open a midfield spot that could be taken by Mikel Merino. * Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon have been included in the senior England squad for the first time, thanks to stellar seasons in the Premier League. * Despite the international window, Major League Soccer action continues in the USA but Inter Miami must do without Lionel Messi. Not because he is playing for Argentina this week, but rather that he is recovering from a hamstring strain. He sat out last weekend’s game against D.C. United and is not expected to play tomorrow when Inter are at New York Red Bulls. * The Norway national team doctor has eased injury fears over Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who limped out of training on Tuesday ahead of tonight’s friendly against the Czech Republic. He said there is "no problem" with the striker.

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