As the countdown to the World Cup finals really hots up,
there are a number of claret and blue connections to be found at
the tournament in Germany.
Goalkeeper Shaka Hislop is set to be the sole Hammers representative at the world's biggest footballing stage this summer, having been handed the number one jersey by coach Leo Beenhakker in their 23-man squad.
Shaka wasn't involved at the weekend as Trinidad lost 2-1 in a friendly against a Wales side containing Upton Park trio Danny Gabbidon, James Collins and Carl Fletcher, but may well be included in another friendly against Slovenia on Wednesday, and will of course be hoping to receive the call-up when their World Cup finals campaign kicks off against Sweden on June 10, followed by an eagerly-awaited clash with England five days later.
Meanwhile, Argentinian defender Lionel Scaloni, released from Upton Park at the end of his loan agreement with Deportivo La Coruna last week, has been handed the number 13 shirt by coach Jose Pekerman following his call-up to their squad, but will be hoping it isn't unlucky as the South Americans take on Ivory Coast, Serbia and Montenegro and Holland in what is widely considered to be the tournament's 'group of death'.
Other former Hammers also on display in Germany this summer include England stars Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, David James and Michael Carrick, Ukraine playmaker Sergei Rebrov and Stan Lazaridis of Australia.
Goalkeeper Shaka Hislop is set to be the sole Hammers representative at the world's biggest footballing stage this summer, having been handed the number one jersey by coach Leo Beenhakker in their 23-man squad.
Shaka wasn't involved at the weekend as Trinidad lost 2-1 in a friendly against a Wales side containing Upton Park trio Danny Gabbidon, James Collins and Carl Fletcher, but may well be included in another friendly against Slovenia on Wednesday, and will of course be hoping to receive the call-up when their World Cup finals campaign kicks off against Sweden on June 10, followed by an eagerly-awaited clash with England five days later.
Meanwhile, Argentinian defender Lionel Scaloni, released from Upton Park at the end of his loan agreement with Deportivo La Coruna last week, has been handed the number 13 shirt by coach Jose Pekerman following his call-up to their squad, but will be hoping it isn't unlucky as the South Americans take on Ivory Coast, Serbia and Montenegro and Holland in what is widely considered to be the tournament's 'group of death'.
Other former Hammers also on display in Germany this summer include England stars Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, David James and Michael Carrick, Ukraine playmaker Sergei Rebrov and Stan Lazaridis of Australia.