Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has thrown a wobbler after being denied a farewell game for Germany in their friendly against England.

A media-driven campaign for the Stuttgart veteran to be allowed at least one half, in Berlin on November 19, was finally defeated by Germany coach Joachim Loew's insistence on using his new breed of keepers for the prestige friendly.

The Daily Mail says Lehmann, who turns 39 next Monday, refused to comment but contacted the German Federation last night to tell them he had no interest in 'picking up a bunch of flowers and a few nice words' at the game and would remain in Stuttgart for training, instead.