Back Germany in friendly Klassiker as England get Mullered

Germany host England. The Klassiker. The Mother of all friendlies and also a glorified farewell game for former Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski ahead of his 130^th and final international game for Germany.

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It’s the 35^th meeting of the two countries and England still just about have the edge historically with 16 wins as opposed to Germany’s 12. The Three Lions stormed back from behind against the World Champions in their last friendly clash almost a year ago winning 3-2 in the capital Berlin. In addition, you have to go back almost 20 years to find a German win against England on home soil.

That’s where the good news ends for England who since winning that World Cup at Wembley in 1966 have suffered with a host of heartbreaking losses in major tournaments against the old enemy in 1970, 1990, 1996 and 2012 to name but a few. But after almost 51 years of hurt, at least this friendly cannot go to penalties eh?

Remember this is nothing more than a glorified testimonial for Podolski and key players on either side will be just praying to avoid injury ahead of more important Champions and Premier League commitments.

England chances have risen markedly with German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer pulling out of the squad with injury, while despite being fit; England captain Wayne Rooney is another high-profile name to miss the game. However, there’s a surprise recall for Jermaine Defoe and a possible first cap since November 2013 for the prolific 35-year-old marksman. With Harry Kane injured, you have to think Defoe will start, why else would England boss Gareth Southgate call him up? He’s 9-1 to score a memorable first goal on his comeback.

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Betting wise, Germany can be backed with confidence at 3-4 on home soil with bet365. Since losing to France in the semfinals at Euro 2016, Germany haven’t conceded a goal in six matches so I’m going for a German win TO NIL at juicy odds of 2-1 again with Bet365.

For the first goalscorer, it’s a toss-up between Mario Gomez and Thomas Muller at 9-2 with bet365. Ladbrokes go 17-10 on Muller at any time, which is well worth considering too. He’s struggled to score for Bayern this season, but will go into this game full of confidence after scoring on Sunday. Mats Hummels is always a threat from set pieces and is a decent 25-1 to break the deadlock.

A Germany win 1-0 or 2-0 at 7 and 8-1 with betvictor are my preferred scorelines as England fail to break down Germany in front of Dortmund’s famous Yellow Wall.