Per Mertesacker has expressed his extra determination to beat England at Wembley on Tuesday due to playing in the Premier League.
The Germany defender, who plies his trade in the English top tier for Arsenal, is likely to play the match in the capital having been out of action since picking up an illness prior to the defeat at Manchester United earlier this month.
"For sure now there is a greater incentive to do well," Mertesacker told the press. "I certainly know a lot more of the players personally now so that can only be a good thing.
"It's good to be here and it is really exciting for me in particular because it feels a bit like home for me to play here now.
"There is obviously a bit of a rivalry against England. All of us in the squad are aware of that and we are really looking forward to Tuesday."
The friendly is part of the Football Association's 150th anniversary celebrations.
Matt Cotton
