Durban - The sentiment ahead of the Germany versus England round of sixteen battle is that, the encounter has come a bit too early.
This game, given the enormity of it, should be reserved maybe for a quarter-final but football afterall is a beautiful and funny game.
Players on both sides will be hoping that the Bloemfontein duel will be settled before the end of 90 minutes, thus avoiding a penalty shoot-out.
It is definitely a clash of young German flair, opposing an experienced side and this makes it difficult for football experts to predict an outright winner.
The rivalry between the two countries go back to the 19th century, but it was in 1966 that the competitiveness intensified. England beat Germany to win the World Cup 4-2 in a controversial match.
Germany and England met once again for the World Cup in 1990, when the then West Germans sent the English packing in the semi-final on penalties. They went on to beat Argentina in the final and lift the coveted Cup.
Back in 2010, England has not had the most convincing ride during the group stage.
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, like most of his team-mates, failed thus far to impress which resulted in average performances against Algeria and the USA, much to the horror of their demanding fans.
Their final performance - a win against Slovenia - though is sure to boost the confidence and reflected the quality of players the team possess.
Germany set their campaign alight with a 4-nil victory against Australia but lost to Serbia and managed a win against Ghana with a young side.
Coach Joachim Loew, acknowledges that he doesn't have the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Rooney in terms of experience in major competitions, but his youthful team have shown bursts of quality play in South Africa.
Meanwhile, England manager Fabio Capello must have been pleased to have all 23 of his men reporting for training.
Defender Ledley King has made a full recovery from a groin injury and Jamie Carragher is available after his suspension.
Germany's injury woes continue with Cacau being ruled out of the clash with a stomach muscle injury.
The Stuttgart striker scored Germany's final goal against Australia in Durban and replaced the suspended Miroslav Klose against Ghana.
Germany were still waiting to see if Bastian Schweinsterger and Jerome Boateng are passed completely fit for duty on Sunday.
