FIFA World Cup 2010: England Can Beat Germany

The Premier League is known for its attacking display and its powerful counter-attacking football.

England will have the chance to showcase how good English football is when they tackle Germany.

Many are ruling out England's chances, and Wayne Rooney has come under intense criticism for not scoring goals. But England can still win the game and here's how:

Stop Oezil's play

Mesut Oezil has been the heart of the Germans' attack. He is involved in every play and makes them tick. Gareth Barry will need to stay tight to him. Oezil does not stand still, he moves everywhere around the pitch. He makes some surging runs going forward and is the creator of the German side. Keep him quiet, and Germany will run out of ideas.

Play on the counter

Germany will attack using wingers with bags of pace. Podolski and Muller know their roles very well and will drive into the English defence—but that will leave space in behind. England can use their pace on either flank to counter attack Germany. Podoslki and Muller may not fancy defending, so England must take advantage of this.

Play Gerrard behind Rooney, and watch Wayne score

The problem for Rooney this tournament has not been about pressure, but rather about his decision-making. Rooney is a goalscorer, and most of his goals for Manchester United have come when he is inside the box. He needs to stop dropping deep to pick up the ball.

Instead, Rooney should stay in the box and gamble a bit more just like Defoe did against Slovenia. If you play Gerrard behind Rooney, then there's no reason for him to drop back anymore. Sorted!

This German side is very good, but who isn't at this stage of the tournament? Players must play without fear. Ghana gave the Germans a torrid time, and they should have scored at least on two occasions. These are good signs for England.

I have faith that England can win the game, but they will have to work hard because Germany will be no walk over. Although if it comes down to penalties, then I must admit, the nerves may get the better of the English players.