Germany coach Hansi Flick has challenged his team to hit England where it hurts - in front of the Wembley fans.
Flick insisted the blame was on him after his 13-match unbeaten run at the start of his reign was ended by Hungary on Friday night. Jonas Hofmann, who was substituted at half-time after Flick’s experiment of using the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder as an attacking right-back backfired badly, described the performance as really s***y.
But Flick believes the setback can be used as a springboard to add to Gareth Southgate’s woes - and send Germany to the World Cup on a high. Flick, who won nine and drew four of his first 13 matches as coach, said: “The team just got a wake-up call.
“The first half performance was the worst we have produced since I have been coach of the national team. But it is better to be frustrated to lose and not top the Nations League group than at the World Cup.
“It is also a personal motivation for everyone to give it all against England and put in the work in the next six weeks to add these few percentage points that we need to add. The defeat opened our eyes.”
Hungary claimed a famous win in Leipzig after dominating the first half when Flick used Hofmann and David Raum as attacking full-backs. Hofmann was replaced by Thilo Kehrer at the break - and West Ham ’s new £10million signing will keep his place at full-back.
Flick added: “I must shoulder the responsibility for trying to play with two attacking full-backs. It didn’t work and that’s why we changed it at half-time. We were low on confidence, with little intensity, few chances and many mistakes.
“The time for experimenting with the team is now over. No. I’m not worried. Games like this happen. But we must play with more courage and conviction against England.”
Flick will also be without Antonio Rudiger after the former Chelsea enforcer picked up a booking that triggered a suspension. Germany will also be without No 1 keeper Manuel Neuer and Leon Goretzka after the Bayern Munich pair tested positive for covid, while Julian Brandt has flu.
The versatile Joshua Kimmich insisted there is no connection between the first defeat of Flick’s tenure and the faltering form of his Bayern team in the Bundesliga.
The defending champions have lost their last three games and striker Thomas Muller said after the Hungary defeat that he felt there was a lack of power in the performances of both his club and country.
Kimmich said: “I don’t think we can put this performance down to what has happened at Bayern. It was a bad night for us. But we can do better in England - and I promise you we will do better.”
Borussia Dortmund pair Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterbeck will be tasked with keeping Harry Kane and Co quiet again in front of goal following another barren night for the Three Lions against Italy.
