England and Germany face off in the final friendly against Qatar 2022

September 26 - There might not be much at stake in terms of prizes, but there certainly is in terms of pride.

England v Germany is always a tasty affair and the pair face off again in the Nations League at a sold-out Wembley tonight, with both under pressure to restore their respective reputations.

England are already certain to finish bottom of Group A3 and exit the competition's Premier League after losing to Italy on Friday. And Germany can no longer reach the Final Four tournament after their home defeat against Hungary.

Gareth Southgate led England to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of the European Championship last year, but the team have not scored in open play for 450 minutes and is now winless in five games, their worst run since 1992, far from ideal form two months from the World Cup.

"The results have not been at the level we want, that we demand," Southgate told reporters ahead of the Nations League final group.

"It's an experience that I knew at some point would probably come with this job, so I have to accept it."

Germany is England's last game before Southgate announces their squad for the World Cup, but the Germans aren't in top form either, having been beaten at the weekend by Hungary.

Germany have only won one in six despite beating Italy 5-2, but sporting director Oliver Bierhoff sees tonight's game as a chance to atone for the loss against England in the round of 16 of the European Championship.< /p>

"We want to make amends, find our game and gain confidence," Bierhoff said. “We need to believe more in ourselves. And a match like this against Hungary does not help. We have to make sure we stand up to the English and implement the things the coach asks. »

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