Germany have backed England's move to wear poppies on their shirts for the friendly with Spain. FIFA are making all sorts of threats over the FA's plans, but claims of causing offence to Germany can be ruled out.

Germany's Federation general secretary Wolfgang Niersbach said: "This is a decision for England and we would be happy for them to make it.

"I am totally surprised (by the suggestion that German people might be offended) because it just hasn't been mentioned here.

"The Federation has not heard of, or been involved in, any discussions about poppies and whether England should be allowed to wear them on Saturday.

"I cannot imagine we would have any objection to the idea of England's players having poppies on their shirts. It just wouldn't be a problem to us. It wouldn't be an issue."