It is a game that neither side can afford to lose - for national pride, and for each side's very future in this tournament. And what better incentive to win - England v Germany is seldom a fixture that needs much talking up to turn into a ferocious battle of wits between two of football's biggest rivals.

Injuries will force Kevin Keegan's hand for what must now be effectively a do-or-die mission, although it was hardly much of a boost for the beleaguered England fans when Keegan insisted his side could still qualify if they draw against Germany.

That isn't really the spirit. Germany have a good midfield but are pretty ordinary in both defence and attack, especially now that skipper Oliver Bierhoff has been ruled out.

But the England sick list is mounting - Steve McManaman, one of the few successes from the desperately disappointing 2-3 loss to Portugal, joins Tony Adams, who played less well, and Steven Gerrard (groin) in the care of the team physio.

With the Germans likely to continue with the five-man midfield, the expectation is now that Keegan will stick a third man in the centre of the park to join Paul Ince and Paul Scholes. That third man is likely to be Dennis Wise, who is the sort of tough nut who could prove his worth against Germany.

Although the performance of Lothar Matthaeus in the Romania game was roundly ridiculed by many commentators, German coach Erich Ribbeck seems set to continue his love-affair with the 39-year-old sweeper, who looks way past his sell-by date.

In that match, Matthaeus handed over much of his duties to Thomas Linke and Jens Nowotny, and neither of them looked like they cared for the extra responsibility laid on them.

Provided Ince, Wise and Scholes can win enough ball, and play into the space in front of Michael Owen - rather than to his feet - the young Liverpool striker could have a field day.

Owen had a poor game against Portugal, but if he is indeed the player for the big occasion - he appeared just that against Argentina in the last World Cup - this is his day to come good.

But midfield is key. Germany's best player there is probably Jens Jeremies - who has himself decribed the national side as "miserable" - and England should concentrate on taking him out of the game. Dietmar Hamann could start instead of Thomas Hassler, and his Premiership knowledge will stand him in good stead.

On the flanks, Christian Ziege is likely to get the better of the man with no left foot -Phil Neville, in which case David Beckham will need to play another big game for England.

Without Adams, Martin Keown is almost certain to start in a three centre-back strategy alongside Sol Campbell and Gareth Southgate.

Germany need to replace Bierhoff, and could go for Carsten Jancker. But his link-up with Paulo Rink will surely not cause the England defence as many problems as Portugal's Rui Costa and Luis Figo did.