Sven Goran Eriksson's England team for tomorrow's qualifying match with Albania in Tirana is likely to show just the one change forced on the coach by Sunday's withdrawal of Steven Gerrard for further treatment on his back problem. Nicky Butt is set to come into midfield alongside his Manchester United team-mates, Paul Scholes and David Beckham.

Eriksson also seems set to retain faith in their out-of-form striking team-mate, Andy Cole, despite the Manchester United forward's failure to break his goal drought after 12 caps.

Aaron Hughes could be doubtful for Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria after he picked up a calf injury in training.

Hughes felt his calf at the start of Northern Ireland's first training session in Sofia and sat out the rest of the work-out.

The Newcastle defender, who is a cornerstone of the Irish backline, is receiving treatment from physio Terry Hayes and manager Sammy McIlroy hopes he will be able to train this morning.

McIlroy is also backing David Healy to end his mini-goal drought and become Northern Ireland's all-time leading marksman.

Healy has not found the back of the net for the Irish since his memorable effort against Denmark in October, which left Peter Schmeichel grasping thin air.

Hardly cause for panic, but since then Healy has rarely looked like adding to the five goals he scored in his first six internationals.

McIlroy has no doubts about the Preston striker's ability. He points to the 21year-old's record of seven goals in 13 games for Preston since his December move from Manchester United.

McIlroy is confident he will soon translate that form to international level and go on to overtake Colin Clarke's record of 13 goals for Northern Ireland.

"People expect a lot from young David Healy and sometimes he expects a lot from himself too," said the Irish manager.

Sheffield Wednesday's teen hero Owen Morrison is set to make his Northern Ireland Under-21 debut against Bulgaria.

Ryan Giggs has declared himself fit and ready for their crucial qualifier in Cardiff against Ukraine. Giggs' fitness is a major boost for boss Mark Hughes, who is without Robbie Savage (knee), John Robinson (suspended) and Everton's Mark Pembridge (calf) for the Millennium Stadium showdown.

Robinson and Pembridge played on Saturday in the 2-2 draw in Yerevan against Armenia, a game Giggs missed because of his persistent hamstring troubles.

But the Old Trafford superstar has now joined up with the squad and is set to play against Ukraine.

Dundee's Gavin Rae has been drafted into the Scotland squad for the first time for the qualifier against San Marino at Hampden Park.

He replaces Rangers' Barry Ferguson, who withdrew after suffering a recurrence of a rib injury in the 2-2 draw against Belgium.

Captain Colin Hendry is expected to shake off a bout of gastroenteritis and feature in the match.

However, manager Craig Brown may ring the changes anyway as he expects a goal feast following the disappointing draw against the Belgians. Anything less than an emphatic victory will put immense pressure on Scotland, especially as Croatia are beginning to look dangerous.