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England and Germany FAs reach agreement to share ideas

The Football Association and German Football Association (DFB) have signed a memorandum of understanding to share ideas about coaching, youth development and administration.

England manager Gareth Southgate spoke about the need adopt the winning mentality that has driven the German's international success before Wednesday's friendly in Dortmund.

The FA firmed up ties with the World Cup winners ahead of the encounter, signing a memorandum of understanding with the DFB lasting for an initial two-year period.

FA chairman Greg Clarke and chief executive Martin Glenn signed the agreement which comes into effect immediately.

DFB president Reinhard Grindel said: "I am confident that both the DFB and the FA can benefit from this collaboration.

"I truly believe it will be particularly valuable when it comes to sharing ideas about coach development, as well as scouting and developing young talents.

"The same goes for the work done across the whole management of the association.

"Both parties have a tremendous amount of expertise and it only makes sense to connect and share this knowledge.''

The memorandum of understanding's focus is to exchange experiences with administrative issues and share technical expertise.

A statement from the DFB read: "Representatives of the DFB and the FA will meet on a yearly basis to discuss coach education, the latest coaching trends, training methods, youth development and scouting, both in men's and women's football.

"On top of that, measures will be introduced to strengthen the relationship between the DFB and The FA.

"Part of the MoU [memorandum of understanding] also includes knowledge-sharing on international programmes and projects, as well as offering bilateral support for logistical, organisational and personnel issues when it comes to planning and implementing these programmes.''