Euro 2020 Preview: England vs Germany

England and Germany have a great tradition of footballing rivalry.

In 32 meetings so far, England and Germany have played out just four draws with Die Mannschaft having a slight upper hand in the head-to-head record with 15 wins (L13).

Germany are unbeaten in their last seven games against England at Wembley (W5 D2).

They have not lost there since a 2-0 defeat in a friendly way back in 1975.

Their last competitive loss at the stadium was the 1966 World Cup final when England stunned them 4-1, aided by a famous Geoff Hurst hat-trick.

But all that is in the past.

What matters is the now and the current form.

Analysing the two teams

England reached the UEFA Euro 2020 Round of 16 by topping Group D, having been one of just seven teams to end the group stage unbeaten.

More importantly, the Three Lions are the only team yet to concede a goal at the tournament.

But worryingly, England have lacked fluency in attack, managing just two goals across three games so far.

Germany, on the other hand, were drawn in the group of death and endured a roller-coaster ride into the Last 16 stage. 

Die Mannschaft lost to France, beat Portugal convincingly before a 2-2 draw with Hungary meant they finished runners-up in Group F.

Joachim Low has a full-strength squad at his disposal but will be worried over the suspension tightrope, with Matthias Ginter, Ilkay Gundogan, Joshua Kimmich, Kai Havertz, and Leroy Sane all on yellow cards.

They could miss the next game if booked.

While Sane is not a starter for Germany, the rest of the players are key figures in the 3-4-3 formation, Low is expected to deploy.

Ginter will line up in the three-man central defensive unit, with Mats Hummels and Antonio Rudiger being his partners at the back.

The battle will be won and lost in the midfield where Toni Kroos will be tasked with keeping Germany in control, with support from Ilkay Gundogan.

Joshua Kimmich and Robin Gosens are certainties, with the duo combining to form the most fearsome wing-back partnership at UEFA Euro 2020.

In attack, Thomas Muller, Kai Havertz and Serge Gnabry will hold their spots in the side.

Gareth Southgate does not have any fresh injury concerns either.

Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell will be available after missing the final group game.

Mount might walk straight back into the starting lineup, replacing Jack Grealish.

Southgate is expected to be loyal to captain Harry Kane, who will lead the line for England and will be hoping to turn his fortunes around after a dreadful group stage.

Raheem Sterling is key for England u after scoring two goals so far.

On the right wing, Bukayo Saka will hope to keep hold of his spot after an impressive showing versus Czech Republic.

Unfortunately, Phil Foden might miss out again.

Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips could be the defensive pivots despite the availability of Jordan Henderson.

Germany Probable Lineup (3-4-3): 

Neuer; Ginter, Hummels, Rudiger; Kimmich, Gundogan, Kroos, Gosens; Havertz, Muller, Gnabry

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): 

Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Phillips; Saka, Mount, Sterling; Kane

Prediction

The key to their performance will be the performance of the defensive unit and here, England has the edge.

We expect a low-scoring contest and England winning by a solitary goal.