England vs Germany: Kane to find his shooting boots - at last
- Michael Graham
- 28 June 2021
It's always a huge occasion when England and Germany meet at a major tournament, and this looks like it will be no different.
When: Tuesday, June 29, 17:00 BST
Where: Wembley
How to watch: BBC
Best bets
It's the big one: the one we all knew was coming, the one no England fan can bear to lose.
England will face Germany in the Euro 2020 knockout stage in front of 45,000 fans at Wembley and it's sure to be dramatic.
England look the stronger team on paper, have home advantage and appear to be a side on the rise.
On the other hand, the weight of history is certainly in the favour of Germany, as is the experience of getting the job done in tournaments.
Euro 2020 form
England
England have not thrilled in Euro 2020 so far, and given the attacking talents available to Gareth Southgate, that's certainly disappointing.
Then again, England also haven't conceded a goal yet, and perhaps defensive strength gets you further in tournaments than attacking flair does - just ask the Netherlands.
Germany
In contrast to England, the Germans have been a veritable mixed bag at Euro 2020.
In their defence, they were drawn in a tough group with both France and Portugal, but they have still been a tough team to get a true gauge of.
Germany disappointed against France, thrilled against Portugal and scraped a draw with Hungary.
Past meetings
Can England carry the weight of the past?
When you look at things logically, there is absolutely no reason for this young Three Lions squad to be burdened by the scars that Germany have inflicted upon England's soccer history.
However, logic has rarely played much of a part in this fixture.
One worry for England fans will be that Southgate's side failed to deal with the pressure of the occasion against Scotland. And this will be an even greater occasion.
Will they be better for that experience? Or was it a sign of things to come?
For all of England's fine young talent, you do feel it will be the experienced duo of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling who could hold the key.
Kane is yet to get going in the tournament. However, he has endured barren spells like this before for club and country and always bounces back to goalscoring form.
England squad
Low's last dance?
There can be little doubt that Joachim Low has been an absolute titan for Germany. He has coached them for 17 years and delivered a World Cup for what was a fine generation of German talent.
He hasn't won a European Championship yet, though, with a final defeat to Spain in 2008 the nearest he has come.
The reality is, though, that this might be Low's last match in charge. He will step down after Euro 2020, so the knockout stage is win-or-bust.
Germany may not be the force they were when Low was guiding them to the World Cup in 2014, but you can be sure that no one will under-estimate them, least of all England.
Germany squad
International head-to-head
England wins: 13
Draws: 4
Germany wins: 15
Goalscorer bets
Everyone knows that Harry Kane hasn't done it yet at Euro 2020, but there is no doubting that he can do it.
Chelsea ace Kai Havertz has probably been Germany's star man so far and has already bagged two goals for Low's side. He is around 3/1 to score anytime.
