BERLIN, Nov 5: Germany coach Joachim Loew has made it clear to rebel midfielder Torsten Frings in a face-to-face meeting on Tuesday he must prove himself if he wants to win back his place to face England next month.

“Torsten and I had already had a fair and open discussion last October in Dusseldorf before the Russia and Wales games when I told him he can be an important player for the national team,” stated Loew. “But competition for midfield is intense and he must prove himself, he has accepted this and apologised.”

With Germany set to play England in a friendly on Nov 19 Frings will need to oust Thomas Hitzlsperger from the team if he wants to start against Fabio Capello’s side.—AFP