New Holland coach Marco van Basten has signalled his intention to make big changes from the Dick Advocaat years, with several youngsters joining the fold and oldsters like Newcastle signing Patrick Kluivert being shown the door.

Another country that under-achieved in Portugal has also responded sensibly by calling up an Arsenal player. New Spanish boss Luis Aragones has selected Jose Antonio Reyes for the friendly against Venezuela next week. Jose was left out of the Portugal squad at the last minute, coach Inaki Saez preferring to take an extra defender. Eight of the Euro2004 squad have been left out by Aragones. Any Arsenal captains reading this might like to note that only 5 Real Madrid players make the 22, including the 2nd choice keeper and one (Morientes) that they want rid of.

The triumvirate of big-name/little-success countries from the summer is completed by Germany who also, naturally, have a new coach. Former Tottenham merchandise-seller Jurgen Klinsmann has the unenviable task of getting his squad sorted out for 2006 without any competitive games. He says he's going to be having a good look at the goalkeeping position so surely Lehmann's got a good chance of installing himself in time for the World Cup.