Germany ’s failure to top Group F in the latest version of the Euros earned them a date with perennial rivals England. While this is a mouthwatering fixture, it still lacks the vintage names and both teams have not played with any visible intensity all tournament. However, this fixture has all the potentials to be a classic. Here is why.
Southgate’s Boys Have A Point To Prove
England has underachieved in major tournaments ever since their only World Cup victory in 1966, Even failing to qualify for some major tournaments, most notably in 1994 and 2008. Generations come and go. The golden generation of England between 2002 and 2008 failed to deliver the goods. having gotten to the semifnals of the World Cup 3 years ago the set of players would be looking to go one better. While the squad is a bit changed the bulk of the players remain and of course the manager too. Pressure and expectation has been one downfall of the English side for quite a while but with an average age of 24 there is youth and exuberance and the players will surely feel they stand a decent chance which is why they will look to go for broke with Germany looking to have lost their fear factor.
Pride And Hate
These two teams have history between them which is why form may not tell the full story. Majority of the results in their fixtures have been controversial. One thing for sure is that the loser leaves and lives with the undesirable taste of defeat from this kind of rival.
Michael Owen Scored a hattrick as England beat Germany 5-1 in 2001
The history both countries share is already an appetizer for an epic encounter.
Did you know?
When England won the 1966 World Cup on home soil Germany had a goal that crossed the line disallowed. They ended up losing 4-2.
In 2010 second round World Cup game, England had a goal that crossed the line disallowed. They ended the game 4-1 losers.
