Ballack said: "There's always great expectation in Germany ahead of big tournaments. It is a traditional thing because of the success we've had.

"But this time we are a young team and there are a number of players not playing regularly for their club sides like Robert Huth.

"This is not a situation Brazil or England find themselves in.

"It was perhaps good that we lost to Italy because it dampened down the expectations.

"You can compare this with before the 2002 World Cup."

England and Germany could meet in the second round of the competition and the Chelsea new-boy expects Sven-Goran Eriksson's team to be strong.

"Germany always has great respect for England, comparable with Brazil, Italy and Argentina.

"The strengths of the English midfield are well known but, given that, the people of Germany would always look forward to England playing Germany.

"It is always a big game. It is a duel and we will look forward to renewing that duel."