HIGHS AND LOWS v THE GERMANS

May 14, 1938 GERMANY 3 ENGLAND 6

The game that became infamous for the England team giving the Nazi salute before kick-off produced nine goals from eight scorers, with Jackie Robinson’s brace being topped up by Cliff Bastin, Frank Broome, Stanley Matthews and Len Goulden.

July 30, 1966 ENGLAND 4 WEST GERMANY 2

aet England’s finest hour, remembered by phrases such as ‘Russian linesman’, ‘orange ball’, ‘red shirts’, ‘Jules Rimet’, ‘they think it’s all over’ and, of course, ‘World Cup final hat-trick’. Geoff Hurst provided the goal-treble, the linesman the controversy and Kenneth Wolstenholme the famous soundbite as England were crowned world champions.

June 14, 1970 ENGLAND 2 WEST GERMANY 3 aet

Gordon Banks was missing through food poisoning for the World Cup quarter-final in the scorching Mexico heat, with Peter Bonetti deputising in goal. England led 2-0 early in the second half thanks to Alan Mullery and Martin Peters but goals from Franz Beckenbauer and an Uwe Seeler backheader sent it to extra time, where England wilted and Gerd Muller poached the winner.

July 4, 1990 ENGLAND 1 GERMANY 1 (3-4 on

pens) Gary Lineker (below) rescued England 10 minutes from time of the World Cup semi-final by cancelling out Andreas Brehme’s goal but it only delayed the shootout agony that was to follow as misses from Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle ended the dream.

September 1, 2001 GERMANY 1 ENGLAND 5

Carsten Jancker’s sixth-minute goal had England fans fearing the worst in this friendly but a superb hat-trick from Michael Owen (below, with David Beckham) and goals from Steven Gerrard and Emile Heskey humiliated Rudi Voller’s side in Munich.