The European Championship revenge against England will be anything but a friendly for the German national soccer team after the sobering defeat against Hungary.
“This is the last test before the nomination, we want to make amends and gain trust, that’s extremely important,” said DFB managing director Oliver Bierhoff, and he demanded: “We have to believe in ourselves more.”
The duel at London’s Wembley Stadium is meaningless for the Nations League. Germany can no longer be group winners, the Three Lions are about to graduate as relegated from the A-League. However, both teams urgently need tailwind in the prestigious game for the World Cup in Qatar (November 20th to December 18th).
“Wembley is always special,” said Ilkay Gundogan, who plays for Manchester City in England. “With the national team it’s a bit better in terms of atmosphere. There are never friendlies against England.” The goal is to work up the 0: 1 (0: 1) against Hungary and “make it better as soon as possible”.
In any case, the expectations for the World Cup are not being downgraded. “The goal remains”, emphasized Bierhoff, Germany wants to go to the final: “Of course you will ask after today’s game: How can you say that? But we are starting from scratch at the tournament.”