Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has launched a scathing criticism of English football and the current state of the Premier League.
Just a day after England laboured to a 1-1 draw against the USA, Germany crushed Australia 4-0 with the outstanding performance of the tournament so far.
The 64-year-old, writing in South African newspaper The Times, said:
"What I saw of the English against the US had very little to do with football."
"It looked to me as if the English have gone backwards into the bad old days of kick and rush."
The former German captain believes the lack of English talent in the Premiership is to blame for England's problems.
"I am not sure if the England coach Fabio Capello can still change much there."
"The English are being punished for the fact that there are very few English players in the Premier League as clubs use better foreign players from all over the world."
Although Der Kaiser does have some valid points, it's worth remembering it is still very early days, and a couple of things should be taken into consideration.
As this article mentioned earlier, Germany have had time to get used to the Jabulani ball, whilst England's contract with Nike denied them the opportunity.
In addition, England are based 1403m above sea-level at Rustenburg, and as John Terry recently admitted, it is taking time for them to adapt to the conditions. Germany, meanwhile are playing their games at sea-level in Durban.
Beckenbauer is rightly considered as a legend of the game, but perhaps judgement on England's and indeed Germany's World Cup performances should be left until the end of tournemant, eh Franz?
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