England will need to hit top form to beat Germany... who won't be practising penalties, warns Michael Ballack

Big test: Wayne Rooney will spearhead England's battle with Germany

Michael Ballack has warned England they will need to be at their very best to beat Germany in Sunday's World Cup showdown.

The old enemies meet again in Bloemfontein for a place in the quarter-finals and German legend Franz Beckenbaur has already stoked up the fires by branding England as 'stupid' and 'burnt out'.
Now Ballack has turned up the heat on their rivals by questioning their nerves under pressure - and he also claimed that they will not be practising penalties in the build-up to the game.


Triumph: Germany celebrate during their crucial win over Ghana

 
Pain game: Ballack was injured in the FA Cup Final win over Portsmouth

The former Chelsea midfielder, who missed the finals after tearing his ankle ligaments in the FA Cup Final, said: 'England have not shown their true selves and have a lot more to give.

'Watching them play in the group matches you could see they were feeling the pressure. because they were afraid of going home early.

'At the knockout stages you have to perform to your limit or you'll be knockout out. The gap from where they are now to their best is bigger for England but they can get there.'
England are confident of winning but should the last 16 clash go to a penalty shoot-out, the Germans would be the overwhelming favourites.

Yet, while England have been fine-tuning their spot-kicks for the past month, Ballack has revealed that the Germans will not be doing any extra work in training.

'We don't fear penaltiesbut have missed one already, which shows we are not invincible,' added Ballack in reference to Lukas Podolski, who had a penalty saved against Serbia in the group stages.
The secret to our success in shootouts is that we try not to think about it too much. It's a unique situation that you cannot train for.

'Every player is different but in my opinion you cannot practise penalties. I've spoken to the manager Joachim Low and he agrees.

'The coach won't go mad if some players choose to take some penalties after training but their will be no organised practice.'