Steven Gerrard first made a typically robust impact in international football with a breathtaking 29-minute cameo in which he dominated his midfield partner Hamann, and the 30-year-old Red is ready to renew rivalries if the two sides progres through difficult opening groups.
Hamann said: "The last European Championships were not good for us. We lost to England and went out of the group stage so we will be hoping to do much better this summer.
"If we do meet England I know as much as anyone how tough it will be. Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard are two of their best players and it's strange having to play against them, because they're good friends.
"But I would be happy to play against them in Portugal because it will mean both countries have qualified through their group."