• World Cup

Ballack has given Low 'inside view' on England squad

ESPN staff
June 26, 2010
Michael Ballack has missed the World Cup through injury © Getty Images
Enlarge

Germany boss Joachim Low has revealed that Michael Ballack has been giving him an "inside view" about the England squad ahead of the World Cup clash between the countries.

Ballack left Chelsea in the summer after the club took the decision not to extend his contract, and he has subsequently sealed a move to Bayer Leverkusen.

But the midfielder, who misses the World Cup through injury, picked up enough information over his four years at the Stamford Bridge club to offer a valuable insight to his national coach on the England squad.

"I talked with Michael Ballack many times about the English family and the Premier League players," Low said. "We especially talked about individuals, like Lampard, and he gave me an inside view.

"It is safe to say we have up-to date info. We know a great deal about Lampard and all his colleagues. We also watch English football on German TV."

Low also confessed that there is "tension" in the Germany squad ahead of the second-round clash - although he believes that this unease will spur his side toward victory.

"You will not find fear in anyone's eyes in the Germany team or England," he said. "There is tension, healthy stage fright. We won't go hiding or putting heads in the sand. Both teams will act with courage and commitment. We will be able to hold our own. I rate my team as very ambitious."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices