12th NOVEMBER 2017
LOTHAR MATTHAUS has admitted something that no other German ever has – he is AFRAID of England’s rising stars.
The man who played in five World Cups, more than any other outfield player in the history of the game, has watched closely as England’s
Under-17s, Under-19s and Under-20s conquered Europe and the world.
And he is worried about what lies ahead for the Three Lions.
Matthaus (right) said: “We have seen England win the Under-17s and Under-20s World Cups and the
Under-19s European Championship. “These players are too young for next year’s World Cup but I think for England you have to look to the future and certainly from a German point of view, I am afraid of these teams.
“We are both big and proud footballing nations. Maybe in recent years the Germans have had the upper hand but I can see a great future in English football.
“I have seen a lot of games involving England youth teams and I have seen some excellent high-speed play and some brilliant technical football, not just offensively but defensively as well. “The Under-17s looked excellent in every position. There is so much talent coming through, the future looks good.” Matthaus, Germany’s most-capped player, believes that the stars of tomorrow are in safe hands under the guidance of the Premier League’s foreign coaches.
He said: “Playing under Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp they will learn from them. You have to believe in your young players.”