Terry Butcher
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

"Good first two minutes for England. Particularly Lallana down this right hand side."

England start well in Berlin's Olympiastadion, Adam Lallana trying to skip down the right touchline. But the visitors can't cut a hole in that German wall.

Image source, Getty Images

Terry Butcher
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"As an England player you make sure get your first touch right. Do the things right early on don’t be responsible for giving a chance away."

The world champions have also raided the kit bag for a changed strip, wearing a dark green number that brings back of Did Hamann bagging that winner at a wet and wild Wembley.

Before the game begins, there is a moment's silence for victims of the Brussels attacks and Johan Cruyff. 

England, decked out in a unfamiliar red shirt, red short and blue sock combo, have a quick huddle then the hosts get the ball rolling.

We're late kicking off in Germany. That's one racial stereotype put to bed already tonight.

Terry Butcher
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"Germany are going to have a lot of the ball tonight so we will have to play a little bit like Leicester, that is why I would have played Jamie Vardy."

Anthem time. But not before Mesut Ozil is presented with a colourful canvas-type thing by a parka-wearing guy who looks like Bjorn out of Abba. Ozil, apparently, is Germany's player of the year for 2015. Mamma mia.

England belt out a raucous version of God Save The Queen, players and lairy fans alike. Germany's is a much more civilised sing-a-long.

David McNaught: If England serious about competing, even winning, the Euros, then they have to try and smash Germany. Then Holland. Be brave.

Kevin Chadwick: I see Hodgson is playing his best "park the bus" lineup available to him.

Will Cundall: So much club bias about players selected, these guys are picked because they're good!

England were looking comfortable in their Under-21 European Championship qualifier against Switzerland but they've just conceded a poor equaliser.

Arsenal's Chuba Akpom, who scored the opener, is denied a tap-in by some last-ditch defending and the Swiss go straight on the counter. Florian Kamberi races clear and finishes past Jordan Pickford with ease.

Ten minutes left to play in Thun. 

England manager Roy Hodgson on ITV: "Germany are world champions, we're expecting a tough test. We have chosen that kind of test. We need these types of game to continue learning about our team going into the summer.

"It's an incredible opportunity for the newer players. We're looking to see if these young guys, that we believe in and know have the talent, can have the confidence to go out and produce the football we believe they're capable of in a game of this magnitude."

Scenes! The Germany players cruise down the Olympiastadion escalator from the changing room to the tunnel. Seriously! They look like a set of teenagers hanging around your local shopping mall. The English lads walk down the stairs.

Ian Dennis
BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter

"I do get perplexed about the doom and gloom. Roy Hodgson has two friendlies that he has got to try and work out his squad.

"You look at Vardy and Welbeck, I’d argue he has picked a player in form, Welbeck has scored three goals in last five matches, Jamie Vardy’s last goal in open play was in the start of February. 

"Danny Welbeck has got to get back introduced to these players, I feel Roy is dammed is he does dammed if he doesn’t."

Official Thereev: Roy picks his yes men yet again...pathetic. Who says so?....why Thereev of course....all knowing football knowledge sensation.

Charleschip: People saying Welbeck being picked because of big club bias is unfair. Welbeck has been on form since returning from injury.

James: The west ham trio of Noble, Cresswell and Antonio would be superior replacements to Rose, Henderson and Lallana.

John Murray
BBC Radio 5 live commentator in Germany

"When you are testing away from home, in stadium like this, playing against team full of talent such as Germany, surely can’t fail to learn something from the game.

"You can’t tell me if Harry Kane scores here it does not help his overall confidence as an England game."

Those of a certain age might not have much of an idea what exactly Roy Hodgson means by comparing Dele Alli to former Manchester United captain Robson.

I'll let him explain...

"Alli could do anything in that midfield position. He could be box-to-box, a number 10 or a number 6. He has genuine all-round ability," says the England manager.

"He can challenge, run, fight for the ball, see a pass and score a goal. You mention Bryan Robson and that's the player I'd like to think he can become - but he is only 19 and it is dangerous to make these comparisons."