Podolski: England used to play like a rugby team!
LUKAS PODOLSKI was impressed by England’s football under Gareth Southgate, contrasting it with the ‘rugby’ played under his predecessors. England used a 3-4-3 formation on Wednesday and, though Podolski’s excellent strike gave Germany a 1-0 win, they showed signs of promise. Former Arsenal striker Podolski, who was playing in his 130th and final match for Germany, said: ‘They have a good team and manager and they play a different style to before. Before it was a rugby style. Now they have a good team, good guys, good characters. ‘If they go to a tournament they are always nervous, they play under pressure. So let’s see what happens in the World Cup.’ The clash in Dortmund was arranged by the German FA as a farewell to Podolski after an international career which included 49 goals and a World Cup win. The 31-year-old believes the FA should make a similar fuss for Wayne Rooney, England’s record goalscorer. The captain has announced he will retire from international football after the World Cup but his role within the set-up is uncertain, particularly after Southgate said he is considering scrapping the job of permanent England skipper. ‘Rooney deserves a send-off like mine,’ said Podolski. ‘He is one of the greatest in England. When I am England boss or the president I will say, “Wayne, next week you’ve got a game”.’ Podolski also defended Arsene Wenger, his former boss at Arsenal. Podolski said: ‘I don’t know why they (Arsenal fans) are doing this (protesting). He built the club from nothing.’