Redmond 'hungry' ahead of Germany test in Teesside

The Norwich City forward believes any game between the two nations is among the biggest in international football.

After playing over 50 games at various levels for England, this will be only the second time Redmond has come up against Germany.

The first came in the 2011 U17 World Cup in Mexico, when Redmond was part of John Peacock’s team which lost 3-2 in the quarter-final.

And he’s determined there won’t be a similar outcome this time around in Middlesbrough.

"A lot of people class England v Germany as one of the biggest international games in football," said the former Birmingham City man. 

"A lot of that is due to the senior games but I think it’s important in the younger ages to get that hunger and desire to win.

"I played against them at the U17s World Cup and that was a fantastic experience, being away from home for four or five weeks in Mexico and we lost to them in the quarter-finals.

"They were a really good team, but we had a really good team also, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Nick Powell, Nathaniel Chalobah and a few others.

"That was the only time I’ve come up against them, but unfortunately we were on the losing side and I’m hoping not to be on the losing side again."

With over 28,000 fans set to pack the Riverside Stadium and get behind Gareth Southgate’s side, this match is the fourth for England since securing qualification for the Euro Finals last October.

And with France, Portugal and Euro hosts Czech Republic forming the opposition since the play-off victory over Croatia, Redmond believes England have had the best preparation possible.

"We’ve had a series of tests in the past couple of meet-ups," he added. 

"We’ve played Portugal and France, who were unlucky not to qualify, but it was a really good test away from home and while we lost 3-2 we learnt a lot about ourselves.

Redmond played a part in Friday's winning goal against Czech Republic

"Then we went away against Czech Republic and learnt a lot about ourselves so we know what to do when it comes to the Championships.

"The closer the games have got to the Finals, we’re looking more and more hungry. 

"Each game is vitally important and each friendly is another test and another chance for us to go out, perform and scratch out any little niggles which we have in the team.

"I think the closer it gets, the more positive we’re going to be and we’re positive now, so when it comes to the Finals I think we’ll be more than ready to go."

Monday’s game is the last time the team will be together before the end of the season and with arguably the toughest test in store, Redmond is looking forward to the challenge before returning to help Norwich’s quest to win promotion from the Championship.

"Germany qualified in the other group so it’s a chance to test ourselves against the best of the best," he explained.

"We consider ourselves one of the top teams and Germany will also consider themselves one of the best, so for us to be battling it out on Monday night will be something to appreciate."