England v Germany - Not a "Real Friendly"

In the warm up to Germany's visit to Wembley on Tuesday night. Ex Chelsea and Bayern Munich star Michael Ballack. The German, who won 98 caps from 1999 to 2010, say the current England side isn't on the level that his own countrymen are on.

"I don't see England as being the same level as teams like Germany or Spain. They're a bit behind," said the German.

"They have a lot of talented players and are still a big name. We always had great respect when we played England".

"This is not a real friendly game. England are playing Germany and it's always a big rivalry".

Ballack also spoke about tournament football, and next years World Cup.

"At the next World Cup England must use their name, use their quality and have confidence. Then everything is possible.
"When Germany goes to a big tournament we know we have to deliver because teams before us have done it.
"We don't want to be the team that goes out of the tournament early, so that creates a certain type of pressure."

Germany's Philipp Lahm and Bayern team mate Manuel Neuer have both returned to Germany after the Germany game in Milan against the Italians. Arsenal's big money signing Mesut Ozil, will also not feature in the game at Wembley, as coach Joachim Low has allowed the three stars to have a rest. Real Madrid's Sami Khedira I out injured. He ruptured his knee ligaments in the draw against Italy on Friday in Milan.

Per Mertesacker, who didn't take part in the trip to Old Trafford, or his national team visit to Italy, returns from illness. Borussia Dortmund's number 1, Roman Weidenfeller will take part in goal and pick up his first cap.

"The England game is our last chance before the World Cup to try out one or two new tactical variations and personnel," said Joachim Low.
"Philipp Lahm, Manuel Neuer and Mesut Ozil are part of the absolute backbone of our team and for me, it is more important now to give other players a chance to prove themselves in these key positions, particularly against such a strong team as England."

Football fans across England, and Germany will for sure be licking their lips for this enticing clash.

Roy Hodgson and his Three Lions will really need to improve from their performance against Chile, if they have any chance of taking bragging rights from beating the Germans.


 

England 0 - 2 Chile

It was a bad night for the Three Lions. What a contrast from a month ago when qualification was secured for the World Cup in Rio. What should of been an opportunity for players to stake a claim on the plane to Rio, was a poor performance from Roy Hodgson's men.

2 Goals from Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez left the England team to suffer a roar of boos at the final whistle. The South American outfit played well, unlike the boys in white who failed to create much throughout the 90 minutes. 

Barcelona's Sanchez celebrates goal.

“Fans don’t accept defeats or want them,”  “We don’t want them either. I’ll not criticise our fans. “They were very unhappy, sad a good run has come to an end. They’re entitled to show their frustration" said the England boss.

“It’s important you don’t beat yourself up too much. We will try to do a better job and send our fans home happy. It’s not all doom and gloom. It’s how you deal with defeats and we’ll retain a sense of perspective".

“It’s important that, having been knocked down, they picked themselves up again. Big game on Tuesday. We need to play better if we’re going to beat top teams like Chile and Germany but I’d be unhappy if they beat themselves up too much."

"We need to keep a balance on the whole thing.”

The England boss points out lessons to be learnt from the disappointing loss to the latin opposition. 

“We learnt a lot about South American opposition, how good they are at sucking you towards their goalkeeper who manages to ping 40-50 yard balls on to people’s toes,” 

“That was probably the best passing display from a goalkeeper I’ve ever seen. They were the better team.” said Roy.

 On the subject of his three new dubutants, Southampton duo, Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana, and Celtic's Frazor Forster. Hodgson said "Forster didn’t have many saves. He was chanceless with both of the goals.

"Lallana did well. Rodriguez worked hard, did all the right things, but it was a big ask for him to play in that position. His opportunity came a bit earlier than he’d have liked, and against opposition a bit stronger than he’d have liked.”

Verteran and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard spoke after the defeat. “We didn’t need a reality check, we know that we are not on the moon and we are not terrible, we’re somewhere in the middle,” he said.

Manchester United's Phil Jones who suffered a groin injury after 57 minutes is to have a scan on the weekend. Rickie Lambert and Liverpool hitman Daniel Sturridge will also be assessed.

Roy Hodgson and the rest of the Three Lions will be hoping for a much better performance against Germany on Tuesday. 

Manchester United 1 - Arsenal 0. What does it really mean for the title race?

United 1 - Gunners - 0 

The new season is now 11 games in, and the title race is shaping up to be one of the greatest sprints to the finish line in the league for years. Yet, to the fans, pundits, and pros, Arsenals chances of winning have whispered quietly, no one quite ready to go down the bookies and put their money where their mouth is.

The red side of Manchester have put themselves right back into the mix now. 5 points behind leaders Arsenal, belief that David Moyes has finally found his feet at Old Trafford, is getting the United faithful dreaming of their new manger lifting silverware in his first season in charge.

Manchester United have now took a huge step in mounting a challenge for the title, but what does it really mean for Arsenal. Well... not much. In all honestly, I don't think Arsenal fans should fret just yet. They are still clear by 2 points at the top of the table, ad they have already proven thy can win big games, by beating Liverpool, comfortably, and arguably, the second best team in Europe, away, Borussia Dortmund.

It could be argued if Mertesacker hadn't fallen sick before the game at Old Trafford, he would of dealt with the Wayne Rooney corner which led to the former gunners captain, Robin Van Persie, scoring the 1 and only goal of the match. I say one and only because, the boys in red didn't look like breaking down Arsenal's new found defensive solidarity. Despite disappointing for Wenger and his men, a 1-0 loss away to the champions by a set piece, just shows how much his team has grown over the last year.

I think the result should be taken with a grain of salt from both sides, it could even be said it covers up 1 or 2 cracks at Old Trafford. Of course there is a long way to go in the season, and I think the pundits and fans should take a moment to breath before claiming Arsenal are dooms, and United are back.

James Marley