Michael Ballack: England's players have experience to reach major finals

The Germany captain, who has been given permission to miss the friendly against Fabio Capello's team tomorrow night having only just recovered from a foot problem, is amazed they have consistently failed to deliver in recent years despite boasting the strongest league in the world.

England last reached the semi-final of a major tournament in Euro 96 and suffered the embarrassment of failing to even qualify for Euro 2008.

Ballack is mystified at the nation's struggles especially with most of the starting line-up starring for their clubs in the Champions League every season.

The Chelsea midfielder said: "If you look at the players and compare them with other teams, then they should challenge, of course. It should be normal for England. If they qualify they should target getting to the final of every tournament.

"You just have to see the players and what clubs they play for. There are five from Manchester United, four or five from Chelsea and Liverpool. The clubs are always playing at the highest level and are in the final and semi-final of the Champions League every year.

"It is a big advantage. They have the experience, they have the class, so it shouldn't be a problem to bring this to the national team."

But Ballack does expect England to be a major contender for the 2010 World Cup now that Capello is in charge.

England boast a 100 per cent record in their qualifying campaign under the former Real Madrid coach so far, which includes an impressive 4-1 win away in Croatia.

Ballack added: "Capello is a top coach. He has not been in the job long but you can already see his affect on the team with the last three games. The victory in Croatia was important.

"You always need to win a big game. With England's 4-1 victory in Croatia it looks like the players believe more for the future."

However, the 32-year-old (right) is determined to lift the trophy himself after confirming that his love of playing for Germany is as strong as ever. Ballack flew back to his country last month to settle a dispute with coach Joachim Low after criticising his selection policy and is now focused on helping the team be crowned world champions in South Africa.

He added: "I don't have many tournaments in front of my nose. I hope I have two more left but I can't plan too far ahead.

"The next World Cup is a big target for me. We are always a candidate to win something so we don't have to make ourselves smaller than we are.

"The last four years I have been captain of the team and it makes me prouder to be the first German player to walk on the pitch. Little things like this is a big thing for a player like me.

"Now being the captain every game is a big big moment because I know when I finish my career there will be some moments when I will look back."

* Michael Ballack was speaking at the launch of the first of four 'Blue Pitches' in south-west London, which is part of Chelsea and Adidas' investment in the local area.