England vs Germany: 5 Key Tactical Battles That Could Decide The Game

2. Andros Townsend and Adam Lallana vs Marcel Schmelzer and Heiko Westermann

Above we touched on the variety of threat Germany's wide players might pose for England. The visitors will not have that all their own way, however. It's true that the Lions are missing regular picks Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but opportunity knocks for fledgling international Townsend and Lallana.

Unless they swap flanks at some point both England wingers will be cutting inside onto their favoured foot. Townsend is particularly predictable in this regard €“ just ask Spurs supporters. His breakthrough this term has been spectacular, but he must be wary of being found out. We've noted this in tactical pieces and things we learned features at WhatCulture before. What counts in Townsend's favour for this particular test is that Dortmund left back Schmelzer knows his place in the German XI is under serious threat from Marcell Jansen. Hamburg may be way behind the big boys of the Bundesliga, but they are now under the management of Bert van Marwijk €“ the Dutch coach that took his country to the last World Cup final. The only way is up and that is reflected by the international recalls of Jansen and Westermann. Lallana faces a versatile and experienced opponent on the other side. There were flashes of the promise he has shown for club side Southampton on his senior England debut against Chile. Both Lions widemen must impose themselves in this big match.