Germany get down to work as Podolski prepares for 'sensational' experience of captaining team in his final game

All eyes were on one man as Joachim Low put his Germany squad through their paces ahead of Wednesday's friendly against England.
The world champions will host the Three Lions at Borussia Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park as a warm up for Sunday's World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan in Baku.

As well as providing a perfect chance for the players to impress their manager, the game will also act as a farewell party for veteran forward Lukas Podolski, who will end his storied international career following the conclusion of the match. The 31-year-old Galatasaray and former Arsenal man, who is hugely popular among German fans, is set to earn his 130th and final cap and has been given the honour of leading the team out as captain for the first time in the absence of Manuel Neuer.
'Sensational,' Podolski said upon hearing the news on Tuesday that he will be wearing the armband. 'It's the first time I've heard that. It can't be any better for the last game than to run out as captain. I can only say thanks.'
'It will definitely be a nice moment but also a sad moment for me,' Low said of Podolski's final cap at his press conference on Tuesday.
'We have come a long way together, overcome many hurdles. We experienced many disappointments but also the greatest triumph that you can experience as a player or coach, the World Cup win in 2014.'
Only 1990 World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaeus and all-time top-scorer Miroslav Klose have made more appearances for Germany.
Podolski made his international debut ahead of the 2004 European Championship when he was 19. He has scored 48 international goals but also, according to Low, contributed to the team's morale and spirit through his infectious good humour and easy-going nature.
'For him, hearts are rightfully beating everywhere because he has an incredible empathy for people. He always gave everyone the feeling he is incredibly important. We will miss such a player, such a person as Lukas,' Low said.
Germany will be missing several players through injury for the clash with Low looking towards Sunday's Group C World Cup qualifier with his side top after four straight wins.

Only 1990 World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaeus and all-time top-scorer Miroslav Klose have made more appearances for Germany.

Podolski made his international debut ahead of the 2004 European Championship when he was 19. He has scored 48 international goals but also, according to Low, contributed to the team's morale and spirit through his infectious good humour and easy-going nature.

'For him, hearts are rightfully beating everywhere because he has an incredible empathy for people. He always gave everyone the feeling he is incredibly important. We will miss such a player, such a person as Lukas,' Low said. 

Germany will be missing several players through injury for the clash with Low looking towards Sunday's Group C World Cup qualifier with his side top after four straight wins.