Ron Atkinson believes England have “nothing to fear” as they get ready for another episode in their World Cup series with Germany this weekend.

That’s the view of the Express & Star analyst Ron Atkinson, who is sticking by his forecast from the outset that Fabio Capello’s team can overcome their old foe despite the Germans’ more impressive form in the group phases.

The old rivals will conduct World Cup battle number five, a dramatic sequence triggered by England’s momentous but controversial World Cup final win in 1966 since when the Three Lions have failed to beat them.

Four years later, the Germans gained revenge with a 3-2 quarter-final win in Mexico, the two teams shared a goalless draw in the 1982 finals before the night of Paul Gascoigne’s tears brought heartbreak to the English at the World Cup in 1990.

A penalty shoot-out is a possible outcome as the two teams clash for a place in the quarter-finals, but Atkinson is still optimistic about England’s chances.

He said: “I’ve said from the start that I wouldn’t be worried if we ran into Germany and I don’t see any reason to change that view now.

“I felt that their first two performances in the group were over-hyped, but I was more impressed with them last night against Ghana.

“Nevertheless I still doubt their offensive power. I can’t see them scoring too many against us and I am not impressed by them in the centre of their defence.

“I think they can be exploited there and we can get at them. I feel very positive. I think we have a more than good chance of a quarter-final spot.

“We will respect them of course but certainly have nothing to fear.”

But Atkinson is worried about England’s line-up for the match – and the form of their key player Wayne Rooney.

The former Albion and Villa boss believes that Rooney yesterday gave another performance which displayed a man ‘ill at ease’ with himself and again urges Capello to switch to a five-man midfield for Sunday’s clash.

Atkinson said: “The game against Germany is made to measure for a five-man midfield.

“The Germans worked the ball through midfield very impressively last night and that’s where we have to take control from them.

“But I don’t see Capello changing his mind now.”