Joachim Low fears Wayne Rooney could "explode" into form when Germany meet England in the last 16 of the World Cup in South Africa.

A second-half goal from Werder Bremen star Mesut Ozil settled Germany's Group D match with Ghana and set up the encounter with Fabio Capello's men in Bloemfontein on Sunday, and Germany coach Low is expecting a tough test from England and is particularly mindful of Manchester United forward Rooney despite his lacklustre start to the tournament.

He said: "Rooney may not have been a big gun so far but he is always ready to explode, he is difficult to mark and control so our defence will need to watch that he doesn't score."