England v Germany: Things We Must Learn - Sturridge and Rooney's Telepathy and Hart's Character

Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge must build partnership

With eight Premier League goals this season, Daniel Sturridge is rightly the man in possession of the England No.9 jersey and the spearhead of the attack. But if Sturridge wants to cement himself as Wayne Rooney's partner for the World Cup he must add goals and telepathy to his partnership with the Manchester United forward. Just two international goals - the seventh of eight against San Marino and from the penalty spot against Montenegro - have come in eight caps while his on-field relationship with Rooney is yet to catch fire. Germany represent the ideal test of the suitability of England's front-two and with Sturridge in the form of his career, there are no excuses.

Joe Hart recovery will be truly tested

It was against German opposition in the Champions League that Joe Hart's nightmare 2013 suffered the most high-profile blow, with two errors either-side of half time against Bayern Munich, but against Joachim Low's side the 25 year old can start to rejuvenate his career at its lowest ebb. Omitted by Manuel Pellegrini from Manchester City's last four games and left out of the friendly defeat to Chile by Roy Hodgson; there remains little doubt Hart has a reputation to rebuild. Having spent time out to work on the fundamentals and consider his form, the nature of his performance against a Germany side who will test him greatly at Wembley will provide an accurate indicator as to how he is managing the most troubling period of his career.

Sven Bender's credibility as Sami Khedira's replacement will be exposed

With Sami Khedira a realistic doubt for the World Cup after knee surgery, the search for his replacement next summer starts now for Joachim Low. While Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil and Khedira all out, the onus will be on Bayer Leverkusen's Sven Bender to set the tone in midfield. With just a handful of international caps, and up against Wayne Rooney, Bender faces the biggest test of his Germany career and a dress-rehearsal ahead of next summer. Regarded as a natural defensive midfielder, rather than a ball-playing deep midfielder, Bender will be entrusted with keeping German ticking over at Wembley. Impress, and his ticket to Brazil is all but secure.