Beckenbauer blames risky Ribbeck

Ribbeck was wrong to play Matthaus

Franz Beckenbauer has criticised German coach Erich Ribbeck for playing Lothar Matthaus and Jens Jeremies against Romania.

The former World Cup winner said both players had only just returned from injury and should not have been risked.

"In Matthaus and Jeremies, Ribbeck had two players in central positions who have not been fit in the last few weeks," said Beckenbauer.

"Two hampered players in the a defensive role might be one too many."

Paul Breitner, a team-mate of Beckenbauer from the 1974 World Cup-winning side, was also unhappy with Germany's performance in the 1-1 draw in Liege.

Gaps

"It would be easy to say all the problems in defence are related to Matthaus," said Breitner, an outspoken critic of the current national team.

"From the penalty area to the wings, there were gaps everywhere for our opponents to play in."

Beckenbauer: we must not lose to England

Beckenbauer, who steered Germany to World Cup glory in 1990, hoped his countrymen would restore their battered pride against old enemies England.

The Group A rivals are due to meet on Saturday in Charleroi.

"Saturday's game against the English is even more important now," he said.

"Whatever we do we mustn't lose."