Germany head coach Joachim Low has picked out England as serious contenders to win this summer's Euro 2016 tournament in France.
Low was speaking ahead of his side's international friendly against Roy Hodgson's Three Lions on Saturday in Berlin.
World champions Germany also face Italy next Wednesday after England's visit, and Low believes that both will be threats to his side trying to win back-to-back major tournaments.
"The opponents are both interesting and are two of the favourites to win the European Championship. It will be a good test," he told reporters.
"The battle for places in the squad is seriously beginning now - there are still eight weeks until the end of the season.
"We have selected a large squad in order to speak with the players about what we expect. We are looking at their form and fitness as a whole."
Germany have won eight of the last 11 meetings against England, including the last two.
Pascal Lemesre
