Germany and England pursue unbeaten path to Russia 2018
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Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil is doubtful for Sunday’s World Cup qualifier at Azerbaijan but the world champions are expected to welcome back Sami Khedira, Mario Gomez and Julian Draxler after they all missed the friendly match against England mid-week.
Keeper Manuel Neuer is also on the absentee list and Sami Khedira is confirmed as team captain.
George Best’s record nine goals for Northern Ireland could be broken if West Brom veteran defender Gareth McAuley scores against Norway and the Green and White Army will be quietly confident having lost just one of their last 11 home fixtures.
Poland will also write a new page in the history books if they win at Montenegro to extend their lead in Group E. The most recent matches between the two sides have ended in draws.
Finally in Group F, goalkeeper Joe Hart will captain England against Lithuania at Wembley with Burnley’s Michael Keane and Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson expected to make up the new look three-man defence.