England boss Fabio Capello has shrugged off the criticism of Franz Beckenbauer ahead of today's clash with Germany.

The German legend suggested the Three Lions had been "stupid" for finishing behind the United States, whose next opponents were Ghana.

And Capello said: "I respect Beckenbauer, he's a friend of mine...the pressure is really big here in the World Cup.

"All the teams want to finish first but sometimes you can't. I'm happy now because we have found the spirit and physically the situation is really, really good. All the players are fit. All 23 trained today.

"It's normal for England players to be tired at the end of the season because they played a lot of games. Not like in Germany in Bundesliga when they are always fresh when they arrive at the World Cup because there is a winter break in the Bundesliga.

"There are different moments. When you play the first two games it's really, really difficult because you are looking at the table and points, thinking 'what will happen if we win or lose?'

"To play-off is better. There is normal pressure now."