Tottenham Hotspur international preview

Although Spurs don't play this weekend (darn that international break!), several Tottenham Hotspur players are, and in a few cases their country's performances could determine whether or not they will feature in next summer's World Cup in Brazil.  Here's who will feature this week and next.  Cross your fingers and hope nobody gets injured.

Argentina

v. Ecuador (friendly), Fri. November 15, 8 pm ET
v. Bosnia-Herzegovina (friendly), Mon. November 18, 8:30 pm ET

Erik Lamela has been called up to the Argentina national team for both friendly matches.

Belgium

vs. Colombia (friendly), Thurs. November 14, 3 pm ET
vs. Japan (friendly), Mon. November 18, 3 pm ET

Nacer Chadli, Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele are all called up for Belgium's squad, who are playing a tasty friendly against seeded World Cup team Colombia.

Brazil

v. Honduras (friendly), Sun. November 17, 7:30 pm ET
v. Chile (friendly), Wed. November 20, 1 pm ET

Paulinho is on the Brazil squad; we'll see if he starts over Manchester City's Fernandinho in the center of midfield for the Seleção.  Sandro's recent injury has likely kept him out of the national team for the near future.

Denmark

v. Norway (friendly), Fri. November 15, 1 pm ET

Christian Eriksen has been called up for the Danes.

England

vs. Chile (friendly), Fri. November 15, 3 pm, ET
vs. Germany ("friendly"), Mon. November 18, 3 pm ET

Andros Townsend and Jermain Defoe will likely both feature at some point as both are trying to convince Roy Hodgson to save them a seat on the plane.  Kyle Walker has been called up but has withdrawn himself with a minor injury that should not affect his upcoming matches with Spurs.

France

@ Ukraine (World Cup Qualification Playoff), Fri. November 15, 2:45 pm ET
v. Ukraine (World Cup Qualification Playoff), Mon. November 18, 3 pm ET

Hugo Lloris has two critical games between the sticks as France's #1 as they hope to secure qualification to the World Cup.  All indications are that he will start despite suffering a concussion in the Everton match.

Iceland

v. Croatia (World Cup Qualification Playoff), Fri. November 15, 2:00 pm ET
@ Croatia (World Cup Qualification Playoff), Mon. November 18, 2:15 pm ET

Gylfi Sigurdsson's international squad faces a tall order as they attempt to become the first Icelandic team to qualify for the World Cup finals.  Croatia is favored, but has a reputation for bottling big games.

Romania

@ Greece (World Cup Qualification Playoff), Fri. November 15, 2 pm ET
v. Greece (World Cup Qualification Playoff), Mon. November 18, 2 pm

Vlad Chiriches has withdrawn from the Romanian side due to the broken nose he suffered against Newcastle last weekend.