England
Germany
Germany
Historic clash between old enemies England and Germany aims to set Round of 16 alight
Germany to win 2-1
Not since the World Cup final in 1966 have England beaten Germany in a major tournament knockout game and over the years it has been a fixture which has haunted them with several bitter disappointments coming their way.
Most recently was the 4-1 humiliation at the 2010 World Cup, but the occasion England fans recall most is at the 1996 Euros, where Germany beat England in a penalty shootout to reach the final.
Once again, England have the benefit of home advantage and will play their fourth consecutive match at Wembley, in front of a huge crowd in their favour, with very few German fans allowed to make the trip.
Germany are well-versed in these situations, and while they haven’t been at their best so far this tournament, will fancy their chances to come alive against a nation who they have enjoyed superiority against for the last 50 years.
It promises to be one hell of an occasion.
World Ranking: 4
Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Semi-Finals, 1996
Reasons to be cheerful:
Yet to concede a goal at these championships
Huge majority in terms of supporters at Wembley stadium
Reasons to be fearful:
Fearful record against the Germans in knockout football
With only two goals, England are the lowest scorers in the Round of 16
This game will mark England’s 300th at Wembley, and they will hope that a largely home crowd will cheer them on to victory here. Almost all the 45,000 allowed inside the stadium will be supporting England.
They will need to dust off their shooting boots, however. Only Raheem Sterling has scored for England so far, with all other countries in the Round of 16 outscoring the English’s two goals.
Captain Harry Kane is yet to score, and there is much debate in England around which attackers and midfielders are best suited to beat Germany.
The one agreement is at the back, where England have been exceptional, going without conceding so far, and only facing five shots on goal from their three matches.
England must put their history with Germany aside here, and play to win.
Star Man – Raheem Sterling
With both of England’s goals so far, Sterling must start alongside Kane. He has the pace to stretch the German’s slow backline.
World Ranking: 12
Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Winners, 1972/1980/1996
Reasons to be cheerful:
Have outscored the English so far, with six goals vs. two
They have all the experience required at this level
Reasons to be fearful:
A weaker defence than their opponents, conceding five
Only two wins from their last six in all competitions
On paper, Germany are coming into this crunch game with poorer form than their opponents, winning just two of their last six, including just once in the group stage.
They will be hoping that they can perform at the levels that saw them thrash Portugal 4-2, rather than those that saw them losing 1-0 to France and draw 2-2 with Hungary.
They have players who have been here before and claimed success, with the likes of Kroos, Muller, Neuer, Hummels etc. all World Cup winners. Added to that is the youth of Sane, Werner and Kimmich.
There is a feeling however, that these players are not quite at their best right now, and will be wary of an English side driven forward by a large support.
They will need to be at their best here.
Star Man – Thomas Muller
Makes this German side click and they missed him against Hungary. He likes midfield and attack perfectly, and has the experience of beating England in a knockout game before.
Germany should just edge possession
England will look to pounce rapidly on the counter
Could be a tight game with extra time required
This is arguably the toughest game either of these sides could have asked for in the Round of 16, however the winners will have the luxury of a potentially easier clash in the Quarter Finals, with either Sweden or Ukraine waiting.
England have the better defence and the more exciting attacking players, although their lack of goals shows that something isn’t quite right.
Germany have all the experience in the world, but their ageing defenders could leave them vulnerable to England’s pace in behind.
We can’t underestimate the power of 45,000 supporters cheering England on, but Germany’s experience could just give them the edge here.
Germany to win 2-1
