sport news MARTIN KEOWN: Man City will have to change how they play against Arsenal ... trends now

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Manchester City have paid an expensive price during this international break in losing Kyle Walker and John Stones, because they were crucial to the way boss Pep Guardiola wanted to approach this Premier League title showdown.

For City, there might be some irritation over their involvement for England against Brazil and Belgium. 

Players are never going to be defined by what they do in a friendly for their country, whereas they will be measured by how many trophies they win at their club. But Walker and Stones deserve credit, not criticism, for wanting to represent England rather than finding a reason to withdraw to save themselves for Arsenal.

Gone are the days when I would turn up for an England friendly wondering which of Manchester United's players might vanish! Like in March 1998, when David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Andy Cole and more went missing for a match against Switzerland, with it transpiring Sir Alex Ferguson had told them to prioritise their treble chase!

I never turned down the chance to play for my country and I know how Walker and Stones will be feeling. In February 1999, England faced France in a friendly a week before a certain Premier League clash between Manchester United and Arsenal.