LONDON - Germany plays France and England faces the Netherlands in two heavyweight clashes which highlight Wednesday's (Thursday, PHL time) international friendlies across Europe.

World champions Spain meets Venezuela, Italy takes on the United States and Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland entertains Portugal.

England goes into the game against the Netherlands at Wembley under caretaker manager Stuart Pearce, taking charge of the team for the first time since the resignation of Fabio Capello.

Pearce must cope without experienced strikers Wayne Rooney and Darren Bent and will also have to name a new captain, with Liverpool's Steven Gerrard favorite to take over from the deposed John Terry who is also injured.

Germany coach Joachim Loew has injury problems going into the game against France in Bremen, with captain Philipp Lahm and brothers Lars and Sven Bender ruled out.

Spain plays their final match before naming the squad for their European Championship defense and, having dropped Chelsea forward Fernando Torres, coach Vicente del Bosque may experiment by playing without a specialist striker against Venezuela in Malaga.

Ireland plays Czech Republic, Switzerland faces Argentina, Denmark meets Russia and Croatia takes on Sweden in other standout friendlies on Wednesday.  - Reuters