Saturday 16 November 2013

Match Preview: England v Germany

Don't mention it
Who are we playing?
Germany

Big game?
Any game against Germany is a big deal, but on the back of a home defeat and with no more games until March, it takes on an extra importance. Neither side will be at full strength but it's another chance for fringe players to put a marker down for a World Cup place.

Where are we playing?
Wembley, a great stadium if you like riding escalators

Can I go?
Possibly. The Germans aren't bringing many fans, blaming the midweek nature of the fixture, though that didn't stop hordes of Dortmund fans heading for the Emirates. The FA expect a sell out though. If you're desperate to go and miss out on a ticket, it's worth checking some of the supporters clubs and coach trip organisers who sometimes have a few going begging.

Easy to get to?
The roads have been a nightmare just lately, so best not attempt driving it unless you can set off early. If you are travelling from Birmingham, the train is probably your best bet, with direct trains from Moor Street to the Stadium, and trains back at 22:18, 22:50 or the last one at 23:17 if you fancy a cheeky couple of post match pints. A Super Off Peak Return will get you there for £27.50

Can I watch it on the telly?
itv will provide you with live pictures and also stream the game online if your better half insists on watching Holby City on the "big telly". Now that Roy Keane has got into bed with Martin O'Neill, you have put up with Ian Wright as a pundit, but hey, that's what your mute button is for...


Who's playing for us?
Despite reports that Sturridge had a niggle in training, Roy has confirned that he will start and everyone's favourite shampoo poster boy returns in goal.

England (confirmed) :Hart, Walker, Smalling, Jagielka ,Cole;Gerrard, Cleverley, Lallana,Townsend ; Rooney; Sturridge

Who's playing for them?
Germany unlikely to start with two big strikers

Well, no Bastian Schweinsteiger, which is good news if we want to win the game but bad news for those of us who enjoy watching him play.

We can probably get a clue who will play from the side that got a 1:1 draw with Italy which was: Neuer, Höwedes, Boateng, Hummels, Jansen, Khedira, Lahm, Müller, Kroos, Schürrle, Götze while Bender made an appearance from the bench.


Any useless stats and info?
Of course, here you go:
  • Since 2000, the sequence of results goes win one lose one, so based on this pattern, we will win.
  • We've never beaten Germany at the new Wembley and you have to go back to 1975 for our last victory over the then West Germany in the old stadium. Don Revie's England ran out 2-0 victors with goals from Colin Bell and Malcolm MacDonald.
  • Our last meeting with Germany came in the 2010 World Cup. The game was clouded by controversy when Frank Lampard scored the famous goal that wasn't and the Germans went on to win 4-1, dumping England out of the tournament.
  • Germany used to fear England on the football pitch. After our initial meeting ended in a 3-3 draw, England won seven on the bounce, culminating in the 1966 World Cup Final victory.
Prediction
It's time England put this Wembley hoodoo to rest, but with the talent Roy has at his disposal, we think a draw is the best England can hope for.

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