Germany coach Low admitted he has taken advantage of insider knowledge in preparation for Sunday’s crunch match with England...from injured former Chelsea star Michael Ballack.

 

The midfielder misses South Africa 2010 due to an injury picked up playing for the Blues in the FA Cup final but has provided a useful insider’s view into English football. “I talked with Michael Ballack many times about the English family and the Premier League players” confirmed Low, “We especially talked about individuals like Lampard.”

Low’s captain Phillip Lahm, lucky not to be dismissed against Ghana for a deliberate handball, has declared that this is the best German steam he has ever played in.

The Germans will definitely be without striker Cacau for the match after he pulled a stomach muscle during training. With Bastain Schweinsteiger and Jermome Boateng already doubtful, it is not the best preparation for Low’s team.