World Soccer Friendly Match Day: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Players around the world will get a brief break from club play on Wednesday to fulfill international duties for their respective national teams. It's an important day of games for countries around the globe as they prepare for a summer which will feature Euro 2012 and World Cup qualifying.

Friendly games don't receive as much hype as tournament play, but they are crucial for players hoping to prove they deserve a spot on the team moving forward. That alone adds a lot of tension to the matches, making them more exciting in the process.

Here's the key information about the big day, followed by three games to keep an eye on.

Where and When: Full Match Schedule for Wednesday, Feb. 29 (via ESPN)

Watch: ESPN2, Fox Soccer Channel, ESPN3.com, FoxSoccer.tv and FIFA.com

England vs. Netherlands

This will be Stuart Pearce's first game as England's manager following the resignation of Fabio Capello, and it's no easy task. At least for him, the side had been playing a lot better near the end of Capello's run, picking up 1-0 victories over Spain and Sweden late last year.

Things didn't go as smoothly during the November fixtures for the Netherlands, who got blown out by Germany and fought to a draw with Switzerland. That said, they are still ranked third in the world and should field a lineup which is pretty close to full strength.

It's a clash that features two of the world's top strikers in the likes of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie. The pair ranks first and second in Premier League scoring, and whichever one is able to generate more chances will give his team the edge.

Prediction: England 1, Netherlands 1

Germany vs. France

Germany, the No. 2 team in the world, hasn't lost a game since last March. A major reason for that run is tremendous depth. Unlike other squads that rely heavily on one or two players to generate most of the offense, the Germans utilize a more balanced attack, which helps avoid slumps.

All football fans remember France's complete collapse at the last World Cup. The team's results since then would suggest they have fully recovered from the embarrassment, but this year will illustrate if they really have. Talent certainly isn't an issue.

This game will be won in the midfield. Both sides have tremendous playmakers who can control possession for extended periods of time. Whether it's Thomas Muller for Germany or Samir Nasri for France, midfielders while decide the winner.

Prediction: Germany 2, France 1

Italy vs. United States

Italy is one of the few sides that hasn't named its roster for the friendlies, but it will be interesting to see if Giuseppe Rossi is among those who make it. The American-born striker chose to play for Italy and scored twice against the Americans in a previous match.

For the first time during Jurgen Klinsmann's tenure as the United States manager, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey will play together. That should provide a significant boost to an American attack, which has lacked finishing ability in the final third.

It will be difficult for the United States' back line to contain the Italian attack, especially in hostile territory. The U.S. hasn't had much success on European soil in the past, so a win would provide a nice boost, but Italy simply has too much talent.

Prediction: Italy 3, United States 1