Ferdinand says 5-1 2001 victory over Germany can inspire England to glory

London, Jun 26 (ANI): Injured England skipper Rio Ferdinand, who was ruled out of the World Cup due to injury, has asked his team friends to picture victory over Germany tomorrow in Bloemfontein.

Ferdinand said just looking at a photograph of unforgettable scoreline Germany 1 England 5 always inspires him. The Three Lions beat the Germans in Munich back in 2001.

Ferdinand said: "I know we can do it on Sunday. When I think of Germany, the 5-1 win in the Olympic Stadium always springs to my mind. I love that photo of the scoreboard. I have a copy at home. It was a brilliant moment. Such things stay with you for ever."

Current acting skipper Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole, Emile Heskey and Jamie Carragher were part of that victory, The Sun reports.

Ferdinand is also backing Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney to return to form in Bloemfontein.

"The Germany game is where Wazza can do the business. I'm desperate for him to come out of this tournament as the game's greatest player. If it happens, there's a chance we'll win the World Cup," he said.

Meanwhile, former German football legend Franz Beckenbauer has apologised for branding England 'stupid' for not winning Group C, and suggesting they were 'burnt out' by a tough Premier League season.

"Before the World Cup I thought England would maybe win it. They have a great team and a great coach and then, after the first two games, I was so disappointed. Maybe my words were the reaction of my disappointment but I apologise," Beckenbauer said. (ANI)