No recall for rebel Frings ahead of England friendly

Rebel midfielder Torsten Frings will not be recalled for next week's friendly against England after Germany coach Joachim Loew told him he is not in the national squad set to be announced on Thursday.

The 31-year-old – who played in both the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2008 finals – was bitterly disappointed after Loew dropped him for the first time in his career for last month's World Cup qualifiers against Russia and Wales.

Germany captain Michael Ballack and Frings both criticised Loew over the decision and although the pair later apologised in person, Frings' return to die Mannschaft will not be immediate for Wednesday's England match.

“I spoke to Jogi Loew on the telephone and he told me I am not in the squad,” said Frings, who met Loew in Berlin 10 days ago to apologise.

“We came to an agreement about it.

“During our discussion last week, I said to the coach perhaps it is better I do not come to Berlin, because of the theatre around the last game.

“Now Loew has said he would like to try out some new things against England.”

Frings said he will join up with the team in Berlin on Monday at the coach's invitation as he is a member's of Loew's senior players group.

And Frings also said Chelsea star Ballack is in the team, despite the Premier League giants signalling they are opposed to the Germany captain playing for his country in the England friendly at Berlin's Olympic Stadium.

The midfielder has just returned to training after a month out following foot surgery and the London club feel that the international fixture has come around too soon.

Ballack will almost certainly be involved in the Premier League match at West Brom on Saturday which means Loew will be able to insist on the midfielder joining up with the national squad.

It will be Ballack's first game since his spat with Loew last month and the rest of the Germany squad is expected to be announced on Thursday afternoon.