England showed lack of respect says Lahm

(GETTY IMAGES)

Philip Lahm accused England of not paying Germany enough respect and that is why they are heading home following a 4-1 defeat in the last 16 of the World Cup in South Africa.

Two goals from Thomas Muller helped secure a place in the quarter-finals with Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski also on target.

Matthew Upson pulled a goal back for England but they are en route to London today while Germany are celebrating.

Lahm expressed his pride at the result and lauded his young up-and-coming side.

"Maybe England were not prepared for this game as they should be," said the Germany captain.

"Maybe they under-estimated us because our players are not as famous as the England players.

"The reason their defence could not handle our players was because we have very good strikers.

"We knew that we would have chances on the break if we let England attack. It was very important for us to be good on the defence because we always have the quality to get forward.

"We can play short, quick passes and we have a good team. It is a young team, but it is a good team."

Germany got stronger as the game progressed and Lahm added: "England have good players, they aren't too old. They have young players behind the first team like (Aaron) Lennon, too.

"We have good fitness coaches who have prepared us, not for three games, but for the whole tournament. We are ready for everything and we are very happy."

Meanwhile goalkeeper Manuel Neuer all but admitted he had a lucky escape after the goal that never was.

With England 2-1 down, Frank Lampard was convinced he had equalised when his shot beat Neuer before hitting the underside of the bar.

The ball bounced down and TV replays showed it had gone about two feet over the line. To Lampard's astonishment, Uruguay referee Jorge Larrionda disallowed his effort.

It was pivotal moment in the match and Neuer was all smiles at the end of the game.

He said: "I tried not to react to the referee and just concentrate on what was happening - it was difficult. I knew it was close.

"Then I saw it on the television in the doping control office and what actually happened. I knew it was tight - probably about two metres."