England faces a trip to Moldova in their first qualifying game for World Cup 2014.

The minnows are regarded as one of the whipping boys of the group, but England boss Roy Hodgson has stated that he is taking no chances on his team selection.

England will be without injured strikers Wayne Rooney and Andy Carroll for the clash, so Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe may be given a start. The striker scored the winner against Italy in England’s 2-1 friendly victory, after coming off the substitute’s bench.

The Three Lions will also be without regular left-back Ashley Cole, who is likely to be replaced by Everton star Leighton Baines. Sunderland new boy Adam Johnson is also out injured. Even with injuries England should still have enough quality to see off the minnows, although Moldova did draw against Holland in the last qualifying campaign and also suffered a narrow defeat against the Oranje.

Elsewhere, Wales host Belgium at the Cardiff City Stadium in their first game of qualifying. Chris Coleman’s side face a big challenge as they take on a Belgium side full of quality players. The likes of Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard and Marouane Fellaini to name just a few ply their trade in the English Premier League.

Belgium is currently considered one of the favourites with the bookmakers to qualify for World Cup 2014 from Group One and look strong. The Welsh have suffered the blow of losing Swansea left-back Neil Taylor. The young full-back will be out action for the rest of the season.

Wales will be hoping that their young stars Joe Allen, Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey are at the top their games for the clash. Stay with FootballCosmos for more previews on the World Cup 2014 qualifiers.

Can Wales overcome Belgium and can England avoid a slip-up in Moldova?