It has been a long time coming but finally, these two old international rivals will be stepping out onto the pitch against one another, in a meaningful tournament once again to create another page in the history books.
England came through as Group D winners, whereas Germany finished in second place in Group F on four points, one point behind winners France in the group of death.
Germany and England have both had their group stage games on home soil, Wembley for England and Munich for Germany. But it is Germany who have to travel away from home for the first time as England yet again have a home advantage here.
In their last five previous meetings Germany have W3, L1, D1 scoring eight and conceding four goals along the way.
England are 2/50 to win the game and Germany are 2/88 to win the game.
- Previous defensive record:
England have kept three clean sheets in their last three games, winning 1-0 against Czech Republic in the final group stage game. Germany however have had a mixed bag and have conceded at least two goals in their last two games, drawing 2-2 near the death against Hungary, in their last group stage game to clinch second place.
Harry Kane (England) is yet to score in this tournament but he netted a 61st-minute goal the last time England beat Germany in March 2016. Kai Havertz (Germany) has scored two Euro 2020 goals so far and will be looking to add to his tally against the English boys.
Misses next match if booked: Phil Foden (England)
Misses next match if booked: Ginter, Gündoğan, Havertz, Kimmich, Sané (Germany)
England possible line-up: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Phillips; Foden, Mount, Sterling; Kane
Germany possible line-up: Neuer; Ginter, Hummels, Rüdiger; Kimmich, Goretzka, Kroos, Gosens; Havertz, Müller, Gnabry
Manager’s view:
Gareth Southgate, England: “We’ve been knocking down those milestones for the last three or four years and I think that’s been our mindset, that it doesn’t matter what’s gone previously. We’ve seen that history can be created and I think the players relish that challenge and we should see it as a challenge rather than be fearful of it. I think it’s that fearlessness that we hold as a team and the opportunity that’s there and I think that’s how the players see it for the game with Germany.”
Joachim Löw, Germany: “It’s all or nothing from here on in. We have been erratic, but we know that we can be strong if we manage to get a few things right on the pitch. If we don’t, it gets tricky for us. It’s going to be a completely different type of match against England and we should benefit from that. England are at home and they will have to attack. It will be more open than against Hungary, but we must absolutely be on our toes.”
Last six form guide:
England: WDWWWW
Germany: DWLWDL
England have lost their last four Euro knockout matches but have started the tournament well with three clean sheets for the first time since 1966, which was also the last time they beat Germany, who back then were West Germany, in a knockout match.
Two of their previous three defeats to the Germans have come in a penalty shootout though, including one at Euro 1996 so if it does go to penalties then the Germans will surely be more confident to get a result.
Germany have not shied away from scoring goals despite missing the target in matchday one and England despite keeping three clean sheets have only scored two goals in three matches.
As a winner is needed in this round of games then surely we can expect a match full of passion, fight, possible goals and of course one winner, in this long drawn out rivalry, where the next chapter could be interesting as the winner of this tie could possibly go on to win the tournament.
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