Mesut about the English national team

Mesut Özil refused to be drawn today on whether England’s European Championship defeat to Italy simply spared them another thrashing by his Germany side.

England crashed out of Euro 2012 on penalties last night, denying them the chance to try to avenge their 4-1 World Cup hammering by Germany in this week’s semi-finals.

But the manner of the two sides’ performances in Poland and Ukraine have led some to suggest England were at risk of another hiding in Warsaw had they managed to progress.

Asked if he believed that and if he also felt Germany were a better team than two years ago, midfield star Özil said: “Yes, we have improved. We’re on a very good track.

“We’ve reached the semi-final, with just a few inches to go until the big final. As far as England are concerned, I think they’ve played a very good tournament.

“They were slightly inferior against Italy and I think that was visible during the game. But they, too, as a team definitely have improved and have developed further.”

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