LONDON, Aug 21: One of the most keenly-contested rivalries in international football kicks off again on Wednesday (today) as England take on Germany at Wembley.

But the so-called friendly clash between the age-old foes could be remembered more for who did not take part than who did, as a spate of injuries continue to take their toll on both teams.

Germany will be seeking revenge after the last clash in 2001 produced one of England’s greatest away performances -- a 5-1 romp in Munich.

Germany were the last team to beat England at Wembley, winning the last match at the old stadium 1-0 in October 2000.

And they would love to be the first to beat them at the new Wembley in England’s second game at the rebuilt national stadium.

“England versus Germany is a true football classic, comparable to Wimbledon in tennis or Monaco in Formula One,” Germany coach Joachim Loew said.

The game is being used as a warm-up match for the round of 2008 European Championship qualifiers in September.

Some commentators have blasted the game as a farce, given it comes just two weeks into the season and will be played without many first team players.

However England manager Steve McClaren insists it can only be good to take on challenging teams like Germany, which also happen to bring a bit of rivalry.

“It’s a great friendly. Is there ever a friendly against Germany? I think for anyone who puts on an England shirt it’s not a friendly,” he said.

The game will be England’s second match at the new Wembley. While the June 1-1 friendly draw with Brazil was a sell-out, the second game will prove a test of the gleaming 90,000-seater venue’s pulling power.

But the fact remains the match will be short of star names.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is out with a fractured left foot.

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is resting a fractured toe, while Tottenham striker Darren Bent, suffering a thigh injury, also misses out.

Owen Hargreaves, who made his name with Bayern Munich, is still suffering knee trouble and England veteran Sol Campbell, called up by McClaren for the first time, will not feature due to a groin injury.

McClaren failed to convince Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher to reverse his decision to retire from international football.

Tottenham defender Ledley King and winger Aaron Lennon are also out, as is Manchester United right-back Gary Neville and Middlesbrough centre-half Jonathan Woodgate.

Striker Michael Owen is probably not fit enough to play a full part.—AFP