Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker is delighted with his current form.

Mertesacker was Germany's matchwinner against England on Tuesday.

"I was surprised that I was so free," said the 29-year-old, who stole ahead of Chris Smalling to turn the ball past Joe Hart just before half-time.

"They tried always but defensively we are quite strong at the moment and we didn't give them too much room so it was quite hard for them to come through.

"We did a lot to make sure it was difficult for them. Germany overall are always a threat and I think we showed that."