Live Commentary: England v Germany

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Comment: Mario Balotelli has to change attitude to make the big time

Italy forward, Mario Balotelli, was today given a one-match ban for his sending-off against Sweden on Friday.

The Italian player, of Ghanaian heritage, kicked-out at Pontus Wernblom earning him an early bath in Gothenburg.

Earlier he had silenced the home fans with a moment of brilliance, curling a 20-yard strike inside the post to put Italy in-front.

As is often the case with players of his undoubted quality, there is also a inherent attitude problem. Many superstars have struggled to control their frustration at times. You need to look no further than Diego Maradona, Franceso Totti and Zinedine Zidane to realise that those blessed with a natural ability can also sometimes blow a fuse.

Balotelli has, in the past, fallen out with his club manager, Jose Mourinho, and also Pierluigi Casiraghi his manager at under-21 level, for poor timekeeping among other misdemeanors.

There were signs of petulance even before his sending off on Friday. The leggy Italian was booked in the first game of this tournament for smashing a ball against an advertising hoarding simply because he failed to reach it.

Balotelli has the potential to become a top player for many years to come, both for Inter and Italy, but how long will it be until managers lose patience with him and cast him aside onto the scrap-heap of talented yet disruptive players.

The sooner Balotelli realises that his career is in jeopardy, the better for football as a whole. It would be a shame if he wastes his talent - he could become one of the top players in Europe.

Match Preview: England v Germany

England go into tonight's Group B game knowing that they only need a point to finish top of the group. 

Stuart Pearce's charges clinched progression to the semi-finals with an imprssive 2-1 win against Spain last Thursday but a draw tonight would see them play the second placed team in group A in the semi-finals.

Germany could also settle for a draw knowing that would be enough to see them through to the semi-final, although a win over England would see them finish top of the group. Add to that the historical connotations of a game between these sides, and there is no doubt that it could not be anything but competitive.

England coach, Pearce, speaking after Thursday's win over Spain, said: "England against Germany is a massive match and we are going to attempt to win. Every time those two countries play there is a lot on it.

"In these tournaments, if you take take your foot off the gas for one moment it's fatal. You never pick up the tempo again," he said.

Both teams impressed with solid team performances last time out and more will be expected tonight as the fans take up their seats in Halmstad's Ojans vall areana, the smallest in the tournament with a capacity of 7,500.

Pearce may be without Micah Richards and Gabriel Agbonlahor through injury but Michael Mancienne should return from suspension to partner Nedum Onuoha at the back. Frazier Campbell, who replaced Agbonlahor in the first half against Spain,  scoring England's first goal, could come in upfront.

It remains to be seen whether Theo Walcott's second-half cameo appearance last Thursday will be enough to have won him a starting berth. But with James Milner (pictured) suspended, he should take-up a position on the right wing.

Germany will be without Sebastian Boenisch, their left-back, who was injured in the first group game, so Mario Schmelzer will again take his place. There has also been some concern over Jerome Boateng's back but he should be passed fit to play.

Spain can only pip Germany to second spot if they beat Serbia and there is a four goal difference between the two matches. So even if Germany lose to England by one goal, Spain would need to win by three goals to qualify.

Photo credit: Vuhlser