Germany v England Live Online
November 18, 2008
Germany welcome England to the Olympic Stadium, home of Bayern Munich.
England manager Fabio Capello has endured a rough time on the build up to the match with many of his key players withdrawing from the squad.
The midfield trio of Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole and Frank Lampard are out of contention due to injuries, and have been replaced in the squad by Fulham’s Jimmy Bullard, Man United’s Michael Carrick and Scott Parker of West Ham.
David Beckham, who is just one cap away from equaling Bobby Moore’s tally of 108 caps, has been left out of the squad. This is due to him not playing football as Los Angeles Galaxy’s season finished in October.
The defence has been dismantled with Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole all ruled out. In Ferdinand’s place the 20 year old Micheal Mancienne, who is currently on loan from Chelsea at Wolves may make an appearance.
Upfront the seemingly first choice pairing of Wayne Rooney and Emile Heskey will also miss the game. Despite this, Capello has opted not to recall striker Michael Owen, who scored for Newcastle in their draw with Wigan on Saturday.
The striking responsibility is expected to begin with Jermaine DeFoe and Peter Crouch - who have played well together at Portsmouth this season. In form Tottenham striker Darren bent is also being tipped to make an appearance.
In German squad news, the shock announcement was made that experienced midfielder Torsten Frings has been left out. Frings and Loew had recently resolved a dispute, but was not included in the squad.
There are more familiar faces missing the game as Joachim Loew looks to blood new faces to give them so experience. Amogst those omitted includes Philipp Lahm, Clemens Fritz, Marcell Jansen and Christian Pander.
Marvin Compper, Tobias Weis and Marcel Schaefer have all been called up to the squad for the first time.
Captain Michael Ballack, who also apologised to Loew after expressing his disappointment at the treatment of Frings misses the match through injury. Former Arsenal Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, who was looking for a farewell appearance against England has not been added to the squad.
Tags: Germany v England
Filed Under: International
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