Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 7y

England and Germany set to meet in World Cup warmup friendly

England and Germany are set to play each other for the second time in eight months with another friendly pencilled in for November at Wembley.

Oliver Bierhoff, Germany's national team general manager, has confirmed that a match against England forms part of their plans in preparation for next summer's World Cup finals, though any match cannot be confirmed until it is known which nations will be in the World Cup playoffs that same month.

Speaking at a news conference ahead of their qualifier against Czech Republic in Prague, Bierhoff confirmed a report published by Sport Bild earlier on Wednesday that said England and Germany will meet at Wembley on Friday, Nov. 10.

"England are part of it [Germany's plan]," Bierhoff said, convinced that England will directly qualify for the 2018 World Cup. "And we need to see how France and Netherlands do in their qualifiers."

France are Netherlands are in the same qualifying group, which is headed by Sweden, and will meet in Paris on Thursday. Only one team will go into the November playoffs.

Germany won 1-0 when the two teams met at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund in March, Lukas Podolski scoring the only goal on his international farewell.

Bierhoff also said that he believes Thomas Muller will overcome his struggles at Bayern Munich, with the player having suggested to reporters that he does not feel valued by coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"Thomas Muller is unique," Bierhoff said. "I hope that Bayern are aware that he's one of the people at the club that people identify with. People come to see him play in the stadium. And as an attacker you need the backing [of your coach].

"I am convinced that alongside the other Germany internationals he's fundamental to Bayern. And I am convinced that he will come out on top at Bayern."

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