The midweek international break may have irked some Premier League bosses - but Gianfranco Zola has hailed its positive impact on his players.

International Friendlies

Wed., Nov. 19

International Wrap Matchday Photos

Serbia 6-1 Bulgaria

Recap

Brazil 6-2 Portugal

Recap

Ukraine 1-0 Norway

Recap

Rep. of Ireland 2-3 Poland

Recap

Romania 2-1 Georgia

Recap

Spain 3-0 Chile

Recap

Denmark 0-1 Wales

Recap

South Africa 3-2 Cameroon

Recap

Switzerland 1-0 Finland

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Germany 1-2 England

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France 0-0 Uruguay

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Austria 2-4 Turkey

Recap

Greece 1-1 Italy

Recap

Scotland 0-1 Argentina

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Netherlands 3-1 Sweden

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Venezuela 0-0 Angola

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Northern Ireland 0-2 Hungary

Cyprus 2-1 Belarus

Colombia 1-0 Nigeria

Euro 2008

Arsene Wenger is likely ruing Theo Walcott’s shoulder injury picked up on England duty and Rafael Benitez was reportedly unhappy at the treatment of Steven Gerrard after he withdrew from the squad with a groin problem.

But Zola believes the impressive performances of Matthew Upson and Craig Bellamy in particular could inspire his side to a Premier League victory at Sunderland on Sunday.

Defender Upson scored England’s first goal in the win over Germany and Bellamy grabbed the winner as Wales saw off Denmark, and Zola sees it as an injection of positivity to help the Hammers out of a rut.

Last weekend’s goalless draw at home to Portsmouth was the seventh league game without a win and left them 14th in the table, although it was their first clean sheet in 27 attempts.

“Normally it’s a difficult week after internationals but my players all played good games in their teams,” said Zola. “Some of them like Bellamy and Upson got a goal as well so I hope they can take the enthusiasm from that midweek game to Sunderland, which is going to be very important for us.

“Matthew has been confident and full of smiles yesterday and today. It’s good. The national team can be very important for the players.

“For him, it’s even more important. He scored and I’m pretty sure he will play a great match on Sunday.

“It’s good for (England manager Fabio) Capello as he has a lot of choices. It’s important for Matthew that he has proved he can play instead of Rio (Ferdinand) and John Terry.

“He’s an important player for us. He’s experienced and has a lot of enthusiasm. The national team is great.

“In many ways it can help a player and it also helps his team-mates. To play alongside a national-team player is something good.”

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