Germany v England
Women's International Friendly
4.15pm (GMT), Wednesday 25 October 2006
Waldstadion, Aalen
England Squad - Click Here
30 September 2006
VIDEO: France 1-1 England

Hope Powell's side get just what they need from Rennes and make it to the promised land of the World Cup .

Kelly Smith feels that after reaching the World Cup with a heart-stopping draw in Rennes, the spirit amongst the England camp has never been better.

With such confidence and positive emotion still coursing through the veins of all involved in the 1-1 draw with France last month, there could not be a better time for the players to take on the reigning World and European Champions Germany.

Speaking exlcusively to TheFA.com Kelly Smith said: "I think this game has come at a really good time, of course all the players are on a high after qualifying for the World Cup. We're all excited about going out to play the World Champions and I think it will be the perfect test for us now.

"Confidence is really high and there is a lot of energy about the team. There is a really good spirit and we're going to need that next year.

"I think it is the most together squad I've ever been part of and looking ahead to playing Germany it'll help us through the game."

Kelly was flowing in her praise for the German team she will be facing in Aalen but was confident that if they perform to their best, the Three Lions can match them.

Kelly said: "There just so strong in every department, both physically and from a skill point of view. When we play them we try to compete with them on that level and we've now got the players to do that.

"I think since the Euros we've realised that we're so close to the top teams. We've now got the belief that we can beat any team and it's great to be a part of that.

"It was hard watching them win Euro 2005 in England last year, it's always them winning tournaments. They're always going to be a tough act but we'll see what happens.

"We have a couple of players knocking on the door right now and Hope is always eager to give them a chance to replace the older players in the squad.

"England are definitely going to be at the World Cup, but that squad of 20 players is nowhere near being named, everyone's place is under threat and that is good for the team - it makes them work harder for the team."

Kelly is also looking forward to the prospect of facing a variety of top class teams in the build up to the World Cup next September.

"We played Australia before the Euros and we beat them, I'd also really like to go up against America because we haven't played them in a long time, and they're up with the very best," Kelly explained.

"Sweden and Norway are very though teams to play against. I've never played against China and that would be ideal preparation."