Friday 25 March 2016 23:44, UK
Reigning world champions, but now fourth in the FIFA rankings, Germany have stuttered of late.
Two defeats in their last three games (to France and the Republic of Ireland) have left some in the German media wondering whether their crown is slipping.
But Sky Germany's Christopher Lymberopoulos provided a timely reminder that Germany tend to get it right when it matters.
He said: "The team always finds a way to hit form and fitness ahead of a major tournament. World Cup 2006 semi-finals, Euro 2008 final, World Cup 2010 semi-finals, Euro 2012 semi-finals and of course winners of the 2014 World Cup.
"The build-up to this game has been dominated by Bastian Schweinsteiger's injury and Mario Gotze's failure to regain his place at Bayern Munich."
However head coach Joachim Low has revealed Gotze will be on the bench against England, and will start the Italy game next Tuesday.
Low hinted he may also make other changes: "It is a prestigious game, but we will try things out. The result is not that important," he said.
The German media have been quick to identify Leicester striker Jamie Vardy as England's dangerman, and Low agreed.
"Yes, he's a spectacular player, who always tries to get behind the defence. We have talked about him over the last couple of days, and if I was a German defender, I would be scared of his pace!" he said.
Low also said he's convinced Leicester City will win the Premier League, adding if they did it would be great for German defender Robert Huth.
As for Schweinsteiger, he continues to divide opinion in Germany as to whether or not he still deserves a place in the strongest starting line-up.
Lymberopoulos said: "His injury record is becoming a worry - the scan on his latest problem is suggesting he could be out for several more weeks."
So Germany and England will face each other without their captains [Wayne Rooney still a little way off returning], and it's their first meeting since Per Mertesacker's goal settled the Wembley friendly back in November 2013.
England will take heart from knowing their last visit to Berlin ended in a 2-1 victory in November 2008.
