The three-time World Cup winners managed a meagre 1-0 win over Ghana in their final Group D match on Wednesday to move top of their group and set up a mouth-watering encounter with England, a repeat of so many memorable past World Cup matches.
"We know what a great match England versus Germany is," said captain Philipp Lahm. "It is a World Cup highlight. But we must play better. We must improve our defensive operation."
"They have great players, world-class players and it will be an extremely difficult opponent," Lahm said.
Germany's defence will have far more work than they had on Wednesday, with England striker Wayne Rooney looking sharper in their last match even if he is yet to make his mark in this tournament.
"We all know what these matches are about," Germany striker Lukas Podolski told Reuters. "Today we did not have our tempo and pace but we will look sharper against England."
But his playmaker Bastian Schweinsteiger, arguably the cornerstone of Low's team, is doubtful after picking up a muscle injury late in the game against Ghana.
"We have a very young squad and many playing are playing a World Cup for the first time so it was great to go through the fire tonight and from now it is win it or lose it," Low said.
"But the joy of preparing for England match is huge."
