Nathan Ake is in action for the Netherlands tonight in the first of two games over the international break that will determine his nation's World Cup future.
First up for the Netherlands are Belarus away on Saturday evening before the squad head home for a potentially crunch match with Sweden in Amsterdam on Tuesday evening.
The Oranje are currently outside the top two in Group A of UEFA qualification, but would give themselves a chance of a place in Russia next summer with two wins - the Swedes holding the second-place spot in the group above them.
France are currently sitting top of the group in the one automatic qualification spot, second place having the possibility of making it to Russia through a play-off.
"I'm really looking forward to it," said Ake of the two games. "It's always an honour to be called up for the national team. We have two really big games which are important for us to go to the World Cup so it's really good to be involved with that.
"Everyone will be watching and the country is behind the team - hopefully we can pull it off."
Following a testing qualification group that has included a change of management, Ake - who has two senior caps for his country - is well aware that the heat is on for the squad to ensure they are playing on the world stage next year.
"There's always pressure, everyone expects Holland to be at the big stage. Last time we went there in Brazil and this time we want to be there. We're going to do our best to make sure we're there."
