Benedikt Howedes: 'England among favourites for World Cup'

Germany international Benedikt Howedes has claimed that England are one of the favourites to win the 2014 World Cup.

The two nations meet at Wembley Stadium for a friendly tonight as they step up their preparations for next year's tournament in Brazil.

Despite the Three Lions failing to make it past the quarter-finals since 1990, Howedes believes that Roy Hodgson's side can make an impact in South America.

"England have a good team. They are one of the favourites at the World Cup," the Schalke 04 defender is quoted as saying by Reviersport.

"We are really looking forward to playing at Wembley, even though we all realise it won't be easy to play there."

Germany reached the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa before they were beaten by eventual winners Spain.