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England v Germany: Joachim Low wary of 'quick and dynamic' Andros Townsend

The sides meet at Wembley on Tuesday

Nick Purewal
Monday 18 November 2013 16:14 GMT
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Andros Townsend
Andros Townsend (Reuters)

England's “dynamic approach” is being driven by cosmopolitan coach Roy Hodgson, according to Germany boss Joachim Low.

Germany manager Low hailed Hodgson as a "fantastic coach" who transformed Switzerland in his three-year spell as national boss.

Low singled out Tottenham wing Andros Townsend as a danger-man for Tuesday's friendly clash with England at Wembley.

And he backed England as a constant power in world football.

Low said: "England have been and always will be one of the big footballing nations, if you ask me.

"Looking in from the outside, (Steven) Gerrard, (Frank) Lampard and (Wayne) Rooney are players of elite calibre with a wealth of experience behind them.

"Andros Townsend is very quick and dynamic, and they have impressive wide players.

"So England have nothing to fear in that department.

"England may be tactically different from Italy, but they are still playing with tremendous force, they have great tackling power and a very dynamic approach to the game.

"And they have individual players who with a solo effort can decide a game if need be."

Germany boss Low will hand a host of squad players an "acid test" for Tuesday's friendly with England at Wembley.

Borussia Dortmund's 33-year-old goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller will make his international debut.

Marcel Schmelzer is set to replace 43-cap Marcel Jansen at left-back and Sven Bender should slot into midfield for Sami Khedira, who is recovering from knee ligament surgery.

Per Mertesacker will be a definite starter at centre-back, with Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels likely to share duties alongside the Arsenal man.

Hodgson took the Switzerland reins in 1992, when Low joined club side FC Winterthur.

Former SC Freiburg attacking midfielder Low was immediately impressed with Hodgson's impact at national level and beyond.

Low said: "Roy Hodgson is a fantastic coach: I first met him when I was a player in Switzerland and he was the national team coach there.

"Wherever he has gone he has left the most positive of marks.

"It was under him that the Swiss really revolutionised their player formation and training system.

"He left the best possible marks there, and they are still visible today I think.

"He introduced the 4-4-2 system to Switzerland, and they adapted perfectly.

"On a personal level I think his career is characterised by success wherever he has gone.

"He has won something everywhere.

"He's a man of the world who has gone to Sweden and a host of other countries, where he's learned about the local culture, the people and the styles of football played there.

"And also as a person he comes across as a gentleman.

"He has perfect manners, always has an open ear for young coaches.

"And from a footballing point of view he's fully conversant with what's going on in world football and international developments."

PA

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