Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini is thankful for the two-week international break because it allows the Gunners, particularly those sidelined with injuries, to recover from the extreme physical rigors of the English Premier League.

"I think it [the break] comes at a really good time because we have played a lot," Flamini told arsenal.com.

"Obviously everybody is tired physically and tired mentally because you have to give 200 per cent in every single game."

"For us it is a chance to have players coming back into the group like maybe Theo [Walcott] and Santi [Cazorla]. I hope everyone will be back soon."

The Frenchman said that the physical demands of the League have not changed since he departed in 2008.

"I don't think it is harder - the Premier League was very hard before and it is still as hard as before," he added.

"Top players were playing in the Premier League before and top players are still playing in the Premier League now. That means it's very physical and very quick from one side to another."

"The transition from the defence to the attack is very quick. We have a lot of space also and of course for me it is the most difficult championship. We can see that every time on the pitch."

Meanwhile, defender Kieran Gibbs was tapped to replace the injured Ashley Cole, while midfielder Jack Wilshere was also included in the 23-man line-up that Roy Hodgson has named.

The Three Lions will play against Montenegro and Poland on Oct 11 and 15, respectively, for the World Cup qualifiers.

Carl Jenkinson will suit up for the Under-21 England squad which will meet San Marino and Lithuania for the European Championship qualifiers.

It's the first call-up for Jenkinson in the Under-21s in spite of the fact of having been previously named in the senior's squad.