Germany and England lock horns in an epic 2010 World Cup round of 16 showdown, as Argentina take on Mexico in the second day of the knockouts. England have yet to impress despite their recent 1-0 win over Slovenia, with key players like Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard looking way out of form. Even so, manager Fabio Capello believes that the Three Lions should get over their stuttering form and regain the lost confidence. "Confidence is really important, particularly here at the World Cup," Capello told FIFA.com. "Without confidence, it's impossible to go forward. If you play with fear, it's impossible to play well, it's impossible to score goals and it's impossible to find the mentality you need to defend well." Capello have defense duo Jamie Carragher and Ledley King back from suspension and injury respectively, one of which could replace Matthew Upson. England striker Rooney is on an eight-match goal-drought, but Germany boss Joachim Low warned that the Manchester United ace could 'explode' at anytime. Low is also wary of England's other key men, including Lampard, Steven Gerrard and John Terry. "The Terry-Gerrard-Lampard axis is of the highest class," he said. "Capello has managed to forge some discipline in this team. Even before the tournament, England were one of the top favorites for me to win the title."
Germany are sweating over the fitness of midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is nursing a hamstring injury, but have Miroslav Klose back from suspension. Argentina vs. Mexico In a repeat of the pulsating last 16 fixture in Germany 2006, title-contenders Argentina entertain Mexico in Johannesburg. An exceptional Maxi Rodriguez strike downed the Mexicans in Leipzig four years ago, and the Albiceleste are firm favorites here once again. However, Mexico skipper Rafael Marquez, who scored his side's goal in that defeat in Germany, believes that Argentina 'can be beaten'. "It's Argentina, but so what? There is always a lot of pessimism in Mexico," said the Barcelona defender. "Unfortunately sometimes we don't believe in ourselves and we don't have that extra self-belief that other teams have. "We need to change that mindset. Argentina can be beaten and that's the way we need to approach the game," Meanwhile, the neutrals are keen to see Lionel Messi register his first goal in South Africa, amid the Barca wizard's dazzling, but goalless, displays so far. The world's best player is expected to re-unite with Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez upfront after the latter duo was rested against Greece. Defender Walter Samuel is still struggling with a thigh injury, so Nicolas Burdisso is likely to deputize.
