I TOTALLY agree with the views of the German Durham University lecturer, Dr Christian Schwieger, (Echo, Aug 22), about national tabloid newspapers ahead of Wednesday night's friendly football match between England and Germany.

The British tabloid press is dreadful when it comes to an England v Germany game, and some of the garbage it prints can often lead to bitter rivalry between both sets of fans.

I visit Germany several times a year, and it is the most scenic and welcoming country on the planet.

The Germans are a nation of wellmannered people, and to blame them for the behaviour of others during the Second World War is ridiculous.

Germany staged the best ever World Cup finals last year, and proved that it is a very hospitable country. I will be returning to Germany next month, this time visiting Wiesbaden and Mainz, and I must say that I cannot wait until I meet up with my German counterparts for many tankards of good beer and quality food in the splendid settlements along the banks of the River Rhine.

We should never forget about the war, but nor should we ridicule the modern day German people who are not responsible for it either.

Christopher Wardell, Darlington.