Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier today said he will not allow his players to take part in England's friendly against Holland.
The match takes place just three days before the new Premiership season kicks off next month.
Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad will regroup at White Hart Lane on August 15th as the England coach prepares for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Germany and Albania in early September.
But Houllier, who yesterday revealed he is planning to talk to Eriksson over the issue, is angry that several of his Liverpool players could be thrown into international action only days before the Reds play West Ham at Anfield on Saturday, August 18th.
"It's stupid having an international even before the season starts," said Houllier.
"My players won't be involved in that Holland match . . . because they can't be. If they play in that match, then they'll be in no fit state to play against Germany.
"Which is the most important game? The international players will have seven games in 19 days, and if they play against Holland, then they won't be fit enough to face Germany."
PA