Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jerome Boateng remain doubts for Germany's eagerly anticipated World Cup clash with England despite returning to training, while Cacau has been ruled out with an abdominal strain.
Jamie Carragher is back from suspension for England, but Matthew Upson is expected to retain his place at the heart of the defence after impressing during the 1-0 win over Slovenia. Nevertheless, this hasn't stopped Carragher speaking in glowing terms about the fixture.
"I would agree Germany is the big game now," he said. "We used to play Scotland when I was a kid. Now it doesn't seem to happen very often and obviously Scotland have had a bit of a slide over the last 10 years anyway."
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The Liverpool defender added: "Because of the matches in the past, there is extra spice when we play Germany.
"It's like a Merseyside derby. You still try in the other games but there's always an extra little something in them because it's Germany. Everyone is a bit more determined to win."
Germany goalkeeper coach Andreas Kopke was his nation's hero in Euro 96 when he saved Gareth Southgate's penalty shoot-out against England in the semi-final.
If Sunday's clash in Bloemfontein is decided on spot-kicks Kopke is confident that current Germany number one Manuel Neuer is equipped to deal with the challenge.
"I think it would be great not to have to go to a penalty shoot-out. If we have to go for it, we are prepared.
"Manuel will of course get the info he needs. But I am not going to give any secrets away.
"We practise penalties but cannot simulate this situation. You have got 120 minutes behind you, the atmosphere is completely different."
Source: PA
