MATS HUMMELS believes England have the wherewithal to challenge world champions Germany for Euro 2016 glory.
The countries' experience at the World Cup in Brazil could not have contrasted more, with Roy Hodgson's men knocked out in the group stage of a tournament that Die Mannschaft ended as champions. Hummels was a key part of that triumphant side and, just like manager Joachim Low, believes England will be serious challengers for Germany in France this summer.
"In my opinion they are one of the top teams, and among the five or six teams that will challenge for the trophy next summer," Hummels said.
"They have a lot of good, young players and have managed to build a very strong squad - both defensively and offensively. They have proved that both in World Cup and Euro qualification - it will be a good test for us. It is important, especially in terms of building confidence. Although you have to say, the Euros are not won in early spring. We want to put in a good performance, and give the fans something to enjoy."
Germany coach Joachim Low, meanwhile, has hailed England and Leicester striker Jamie Vardy as a "spectacular player" ahead of Saturday's friendly meeting in Berlin. The 29-year-old has hit 19 goals this season to help take Leicester five points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League.
With skipper Wayne Rooney absent with a knee injury, Vardy is in line to pick up his fifth England cap at the Olympiastadion as he looks to break his international duck. And as well as attracting plenty of praise back home, it appears his exploits have also made an impression on the reigning world champions - with Low well aware of the threat the former non-league forward poses.
"We did watch him and he is a spectacular player," he said.
"A great performance, we did talk about him the last couple of days, not only him, but he is a player who is straightforward and is always looking to find the gap in the defence and get in behind the defence. That is where it hurts the most and I think that is one of his biggest qualities."
Vardy may yet have to settle for a place on England's bench despite scoring in 11 consecutive Premier League games earlier in the season to set a new record, as Harry Kane is enjoying his own purple patch at present.
The Tottenham striker tops the Premier League scoring charts with 21 - including five in his last three games - and Low knows the 22-year-old can also cause damage: "Kane could play as well," he added.
"I'm not sure if they have played together already. It could really impact our defence and it will be a different game if Kane or Vardy is playing - he is a fantastic player."
