England qualified for the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 (Euro 2021) after beating Germany 2-0 in the last 16 at Wembley Stadium, Tuesday (29/6).
England and Germany played equally strong in the first half after no goals were scored, although both teams had equal chances.
However, Germany almost took the lead early in the second half through Kai Havertz in the 49th minute. Die Mannschaft’s goal opportunity was created after Robin Gosens crossed from the left, but Kalvin Phillips could throw it away.
Unfortunately, the ball that Phillips threw was not perfect. Havertz took advantage of the moment by releasing a left-footed volley that Pickford could secure.
The combination of Havertz and Werner on the German front line really troubled the English defense. In the 57th minute, the duet both made Maguire and John Stones busy.
Through a counter-attack, Havertz provided a through ball to Werner. Luckily for England, Werner wasn’t in an ideal position to control the ball or open a shot. As a result, the left foot kick that Werner tried to force could be blocked by Stones.
Sterling finally broke the deadlock in the England vs Germany duel. The Manchester City striker found the net in the 75th minute.
Before the goal occurred, Sterling became Harry Kane as a ‘wall’ who then bounced the ball to Jack Grealish who entered in the second half. Grealish then gave the ball to Luke Shaw who ran from the left.
When in the penalty box, Shaw provided a horizontal cross in front of Manuel Neuer’s goal which was immediately struck with a flick of Sterling’s left foot.
After becoming a goalscorer, Sterling almost made a blunder that could cause England to concede through Muller’s goal in the 82nd minute.
Sterling backpassed. However, the ball was actually closer to Muller who immediately ran without being able to be chased by the Three Lions defender.
Luck really sided with the British at that time. Muller, who had already faced Pickford, could not take advantage of the opponent’s mistakes. Muller’s right foot kick is still thin on the right side of the England goal.
Serge Gnabry’s blunder finally brought England to double their lead to 2-0 in the 86th minute. Gnabry failed to control the ball well after being passed by his partner.
The ball was then seized by Luke Shaw who immediately dribbled forward. Shaw passes to Grealish who operates on the left side. Without lingering, Grealish provided a cross which was greeted by Harry Kane for England’s second goal against Germany.
In the minutes of injury time, Leon Goretzka made a goal experiment by making an overhead kick utilizing Muller’s cross. But only produced a goal kick for England.
Without additional goals, England qualified for the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 after a 2-0 win over Germany.
Lineup:
England: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier, Phillips, Rice, Shaw, Saka, Kane, Sterling.
Germany: Neuer, Ginter, Hummels, Rudiger, Kimmich, Kroos, Goretzka, Gosens, Havertz, Muller, Werner.
