Germany want England friendly in build-up to 2014 World Cup

Both nations are on course for qualification for the tournament in Brazil

Germany are hoping to set up a friendly against England in the build-up to the 2014 World Cup, according to their general manager Oliver Bierhoff.

With both nations on course for qualification, Bierhoff has pencilled in a date with Roy Hodgson's men in November as he aims to keep his side on their toes against top-calibre opposition before next winter.

"I'm delighted that we are going to be facing top nations again in our warm-up matches," he said.

"France is just the beginning. In August, we are looking to play Brazil, and should we qualify directly for the 2014 World Cup, then we intend to play England and Italy in November."

Bierhoff was unveiling Germany's agenda for 2013 in an interview on the website of the German Football Association (DFB), and those plans include a trip to the United States at the end of the Bundesliga season.

Undertaking such a long trip at the end of the domestic season is a subject of debate in Germany, but Bierhoff has defended the decision.

"It has been the case that even the players have not been fully convinced about the sense of these kinds of trip, yet afterwards, they are all so enthusiastic because they realised how much they benefited from it," he said.

"That will be the case again this time. Miami and Washington are two beautiful cities and we can have a good time there as a team, get to know ourselves better and grow."

However, Bierhoff is not sure a first-choice squad will be able to make the trip.

Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, who account for the lion's share of Joachim Low's current squad, meet in the quarter-finals of the DFB-Pokal, which means one of their season could be over in time for the players to make the trip.

However, the Champions League final falls just days before Germany's planned first game stateside and Bierhoff expects that to interfere with his plans.

"I am fully convinced that we are going to have at least one German side in the final of the Champions League," he said.

"I would be pleased if that were the case, even if we would then take a squad with a few fresh faces to the USA with us."

PA