Germany coach Joachim Low has said he believes England can be contenders at next summer's World Cup.
Speaking to ZDF, Low said that would depend on whether England "for once can unite as a strong team," adding that they would be "among the favourites" if they could.
He added: "They have many good young players, a strong team."
With the draw for the tournament a month away and Germany preparing for friendlies against France and England next month, Low said: "We are world champions.
"We've won the Confederations Cup, and we lead the FIFA ranking. We are the only team which can only lose."
Germany are aiming to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962.
But Low warned that they would face many threats to that aim, adding: "Argentina have incredible power going forward. Spain are still up there, while Brazil have returned to their old strengths and are much better again."