Ahead of Sunday's big World Cup clash between England and Germany, Goal.com selects the best combined starting XI using players from both sides.
Little needs to be said of the significance this match has for both sides. A fixture dripping with history, Goal.com takes a look at every available player ahead of the England and Germany clash, deciding who is the best in their position and where they would play should the teams be combined.
4-2-3-1GOALKEEPER
Manuel Neuer
David James may have played well since taking over between the sticks, but Schalke 04's Manuel Neuer wins here due to a better start to the World Cup than England's original first choice goalie, Robert 'Butterfingers' Green.
Manuel Neuer
David James may have played well since taking over between the sticks, but Schalke 04's Manuel Neuer wins here due to a better start to the World Cup than England's original first choice goalie, Robert 'Butterfingers' Green.
| RIGHT-BACK |
CENTRE BACK |
CENTRE BACK |
LEFT-BACK |
|
Philipp Lahm Without a doubt one of the best full-backs in the world. Looked more comfortable cutting inside from left-back in past years, but has adapted to the right expertly at Bayern under Louis van Gaal.
|
His previous club side Hertha BSC may have been relegated from the German top-flight this season, but, now a free agent, Friedrich has been putting on a show so far that's tells the world that he is no scrub. |
The Chelsea skipper has put the pre-WC scandal stuff that saw him lose the England captaincy behind him and, against Slovenia in particular, has shown a hunger for victory that few else have.
|
Ashley Cole An obvious choice for left-back, easily coming ahead of an inexperienced Holger Badstuber, Ashley Cole was one of the only players who turned up for England's dismal first two games.
|
Arne Friedrich
John Terry
| MIDFIELD |
MIDFIELD |
|
In a strange turn of events, Frank Lampard hasn't blinked an eye when Capello has played him out of position. Eager to dig in and win the ball back, the goalscoring midfielder is always a danger arriving in to the box late.
|
|
| RIGHT WING |
IN THE HOLE |
LEFT WING |
|
|
 Wayne Rooney
Said to be suffering from a lack of fitness going in to the World Cup, we still haven't seen the best of Rooney in his white shirt yet. A proven goalscorer, we're willing to be patient with 'Wazza'. |
|
CENTRE FORWARD
Miroslav Klose
Suffering dismally at the domestic level, Klose seems to become a new man when he pulls on a Germany shirt. Always there or thereabouts, this sneaky poacher should never be ruled out of scoring for his national side - especially coming back into the side after a harsh red card.
The 2010 World Cup is finally upon us, so keep up to date with all the news at Goal.com's World Cup homepage and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
