• by Sabrina Blanks, writing from Charlotte, NC

The British. The French. A grouping of abassadors of many countries in a foreign land. An element of heated revolt in one faction. Self-destructive tactics abound. A hundred days' reform. All leading up to China declaring war on Western Imperialist powers. That's right, the Boxer Rebellion of the early 20th century. But, sure, it could have been the 2010 World Cup. And in a similar fashion to the aftermath of the Boxer Rebellion, some high-ranking leaders of the rebellion were punished, luckily, with being fired or game bans and not execution.

The upcoming friendly, Wednesday, November 17th at Wembley, is more notable for the most part for players who are not included in each squad. According to recent form, France looks to be the stronger side, having won the last 3 of their 4 international qualifiers since the World Cup. England, also plagued with an injury-ridden squad, have won 2 and drawn 1 of their 3 post-World Cup international qualifiers.

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ENGLAND:

• GK
• Ben Foster (BCFC)
• Joe Hart (MCFC)
• Robert Green (WHUFC)
• DEF
• Kieran Gibbs (AFC)
• Stephen Warnock (AFC)* 
• Gary Cahill (BWFC)* 
• Phil Jagielka (EFC)
• Phil Lescott (MCFC)
• Micah Richards (MCFC) 
• Rio Ferdinand (MUFC) 
• Chris Smalling (MUFC)
• MF 
• Theo Walcott (AFC)
• Jack Wilshere (AFC)
• Steven Gerrard (LFC)
• Gareth Barry (MCFC)
• Adam Johnson (MCFC)
• James Milner (MCFC)
• Jordan Henderson (SAFC)
• FW
• Jay Bothroyd (Cardiff City)
• Andy Carroll (NUFC)
• Peter Crouch (THFC)
• Carlton Cole (WHUFC)

• * denotes call-up after initial squad announced, due to injuries of Ashley Cole, John Terry, and Gabriel Agbonlahor
• First seniors team cap for Smalling, Henderson, Bothroyd, and Carroll (Carroll currently doubtful due to injury)

• Notable absences: 
• Rooney, Bent, Defoe, Zamora (injury)
• Joe Cole, Glen Johnson, Kevin Davies (not called up again)

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FRANCE:

• GK
• Cedric Cassaro (Bordeaux)
• Hugo Lloris (OL)
• Steve Mandanda (OM)
• DEF 
• Gael Clichy (AFC)
• Bacary Sagna (AFC)
• Eric Abidal (Barcelona)
• Adil Rami (Lille)
• Anthony Reveillere (OL)
• Mamadou Sakho (PSG)
• Younes Kaboul (THFC)*
• MF
• Samir Nasri (AFC)
• Alon Diarra (Bordeaux)
• Yohan Cabaye (Lille)
• Yoann Gourcuff (Lyon) 
• Yann Mvila (Stade Rennes)
• FW
• Florent Malouda (CFC)
• Kevin Gameiro (Lorient)
• Loic Renny (OM)
• Mathieu Valbuena (OM)
• Guillaume Hoarau (PSG)
• Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
•  Dimitri Payet (St. Etienne)

• * denotes call-up after initial squad announced, due to injury of Philippe Mexes
• First seniors team cap for Kaboul after 18 appearances in France U-21s squad

• Notable absences: 
• Evra, Anelka (still on international ban, Evra will be eligible for next French national team match)
• Ribery, Matuidi (injury)
• Gignac, Gitezman, Toulalan (not called up)

Pundits predict that the match will be less than thrilling. Do you agree or disagree, and how do you think it will play out? Leave a comment and tell us!

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