Could it really be coming home?
England through to last eight after historic Germany win
England progressed through to the quarterfinals of Euro 2020 after a landmark victory against Germany at Wembley.
It was England’s first win over Germany in a knockout competition in 55 years and the Three Lions’ first win outside of the group stage of the European Championships since 2004.
Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane struck late on in a game of few clear cut chances but filled with unrivalled tension. The game started off nervy and with a definite edge to it for players and fans alike. The crowd, which was increased to 45,000 at Wembley for the knockout rounds, certainly made themselves heard and were electric throughout.
The tension could have been calmed when Manchester City’s Sterling went close from long range but the ball was turned around the post by the German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. That and a chance for Germany’s Timo Werner were the only decent opportunities for either side in the first half, with the sides almost sussing each other out and battling for ascendency.
The second half however was much brighter and England certainly looked more like the side that got them to the Championship rather than the one we have seen so far. They played with more fluidity and freedom, the majority of that coming through the first goalscorer Sterling who looked bright throughout.
He started off the move with a driving run through the middle of the park and, after a pass wide to Luke Shaw, Sterling slid a shot underneath the German goalkeeper after a low cross. Wembley erupted, and a half full stadium sounded it like it was full twice over, and with 15 minutes remaining home fans felt they were closing in on a quarter-final place.
Hearts were in mouths only five minutes later when Sterling gave away the ball in midfield and Thomas Muller raced away and was faced with a one-on-one with Jordan Pickford. Fortunately a normally composed finisher slid the ball wide and Wembley breathed a sigh of relief.
The tension was truly relieved when, after some good work by Luke Shaw, Jack Grealish crossed for captain Kane to nod in the clincher and put his side into an historic quarter-final where they will play Ukraine in Rome on Saturday.
England manager Gareth Southgate uttered the job of not only the players but the fans. He said: “We have talked about bringing enjoyment to the nation and afternoons like this are what it is about. The players were immense right the way through the team and the fans were as well. It was as good an atmosphere I can remember at Wembley.”
Bath-born and current Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings was on the bench for the game and although he didn’t make it onto the pitch, he has been an integral part of the England squad thus far and will be needed if the Three Lions are to bring it home.
■ PRE-SEASON matches have already gotten underway at the weekend.
Keynsham Town played out a 1-1 with Southern League side Paulton Rovers, while Bitton were narrowly beaten by Welton Rovers.
Callum Ball had given Bitton a 1-0 lead at half-time before Welton turned the tie around to move 3-1 in front. Harrison Kyte pulled on back late but Bitton start their preseason schedule in defeat.