Lehmann: Pressure on England

Keeper feels Germany are stronger

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 20th August 2007

Lehmann: Pressure on England

Lehmann: Expecting tough game

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Jens Lehmann has put the pressure on England ahead of Wednesday's friendly by saying they are mentally weaker than Germany.

Lehmann believes many England players are built up by the media before they are ready to perform at international level, and then struggle to live up to expectations.

The Arsenal goalkeeper also feels that England's failure to win a major tournament since 1966 adds to the burden on the current players.

"Mentally, Germany are stronger, because we have experience of success in the last 20 years," Lehmann told Sky Sports News.

"We are always successful, not always winning, but somewhere near or winning, and that is what England are lacking.

"The pressure in England is so big. The media always lifts up players as world-class who are probably not so far yet.

"They have to live up to it and sometimes the pressure seems to be too big."

No friendly games

A number of key players from both sides will be missing for the game at Wembley, but Lehmann expects it to be very competitive.

"England have a couple of injuries, we don't seem to have a proper midfield right now because there are so many players injured as well, but I think both teams will field very strong and experienced teams," he explained.

"I think it will be very physical and very intense. There are no friendly games any more, because you can't afford to embarrass yourself as a nation.

"It will be a very tough challenge."