England way behind Germany says Michael Ballack

Michael Ballack

Fomer German captain Michael Ballack says that there exists a considerable gap between Germany and England in international football, saying that the Die Mannschaft were miles ahead of their British counterparts.

Ahead of the clash between the two teams at Wembley, Ballack said: “I don’t see England as being the same level as teams like Germany or Spain. They’re a bit behind. “This is not a real friendly game. England are playing Germany and it’s always a big rivalry.”

Despite that assertion, Ballack still believes that the English team can spring a surprise or two at next year’s finals in Brazil.

“At the next World Cup England must use their name, use their quality and have confidence. Then everything is possible,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“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 coach Joachim Löew will have many personnel missing including mainstays Philip Lahm, Mesut Özil and Manuel Neuer besides Sami Khedira who is out long-term with ruptured ligaments.

“The England game is our last chance before the World Cup to try out one or two personnel,” he said.