Low: Germans have no fear of Lions

GERMANY coach Joachim Low insists his young side have no fear ahead of their last-16 showdown with England — but admits there will be a certain amount of “healthy tension”.

Tomorrow’s clash in Bloemfontein renews one of the biggest rivalries in international football, with England and Germany having met each other in a number of crucial matches down the years.

This weekend’s latest instalment will see a youthful Germany outfit pitted against a hugely experienced England side boasting the likes of Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, players Low believes are among the best in Europe.

However, the Germany boss has faith in his players, who today visited the Lion Park in Lanseria, near Johannesburg.

“I think this is a type of game which both teams will approach with a great deal of respect,” he said at Germany’s training base on the outskirts of Pretoria.

“But while there will be respect you won’t find fear in anyone’s eyes, neither on the English or German side.

“No matter how important matches have been in the past, Germany have never approached these games with fear.

“There is some tension, but I would call it healthy tension.

“So great respect yes but we won’t go into hiding or put our heads in the sand.

“Both teams will act with a great deal of courage, commitment and I think that, while we have a young team, we will be able to hold our own.”

Looking back at past meetings between the long-time rivals, which has included key clashes in the World Cups of 1966, 1970 and 1990, as well as Euro 96, Low admits the games between the two are often spicy affairs.

“There are many chapters of the book of Anglo-German encounters on the pitch,” he said.

“We’ve had many games that were quite important. These games have always had a certain spice to them, as the Germans say, and full of sparks.

“England remain England, they can fight, they can run, they are mentally strong. They are also experienced and have class. So you can say it’s youth versus international class, Germany v England, and we’re looking forward to it.”

Asked about his knowledge of English football, Low added: “We have the chance to watch English football on television in Germany, and Germany has exported its fair share of players to English shores, for example Michael Ballack, so I’ve often travelled to England to watch him live.

“The English never-say-die attitude, the great fight and commitment that they always bring to the fore and, despite the high tempo, they have a superb technical level as well.”