Germans fear no one but don't fancy England

BERLIN, June 15 (Reuters) Germany say they fear no one at the World Cup after winning their opening two games but the hosts would rather avoid possible rivals England in the second round.

Germany's place in the last 16 was confirmed on Thursday when Ecuador beat Costa Rica. Juergen Klinsmann's side will now have to beat Ecuador in Berlin on June 20 to clinch first place in Group A.

''I'm convinced that we can beat anyone in the tournament,'' Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff said at a news conference on Thursday, the day after a 1-0 win over Poland in Dortmund made it maximum points from two matches.

''There's no one we should feel overawed about meeting.'' If Germany top the group they will face the second-placed team in Group B, which features England, Sweden, Paraguay and Trinidad&Tobago, and Bierhoff hopes that will not turn out to be English.

''England are maybe still the favourites in that group,'' the former striker said.

''I think Sweden might be better opposition for us at this stage but you always meet good opposition in the World Cup, even at the last 16 stage.'' REUTERS SY BD2229