Euro 2020…or 2021, is in full swing and although shocking to many, England are through to the round of 16 and it is none other than Germany who they will be facing. Typical.

In support of the Three Lions, Frank Key will be letting our staff leave this Tuesday at 4:30pm, giving us all time to get to our sofas (or the pub) to switch on the big game. 


The History

Why is it such a big game though, it’s only the round of 16 many will think? Well, it ultimately comes down to the history. The famously bitter history actually stared with England lifting the World Cup in 1966, where we beat Germany 4-2 after going a goal behind just 12 minutes into the match. Since lifting the World Cup trophy however, England have lost four times to Germany in major tournaments beating them only once in a group stage match at Euro 2000. Will history repeat itself this evening, or will recent form of the two sides prevail?


Younger fans may remember the robbery in the 2010 World Cup Round of 16 clash that could have completely transformed the game. With England down 2-1 just after half time, Frank Lampard famously struck the bar with a wonder strike in which the ball bounced behind the goalkeeper’s line. In today’s game with goal line technology, it would be a certain goal, but the goal was not given. This would have levelled the game out, and from there anything could have happened. 

More famously known is the hurt of Euro 1996, hosted in England, where Germany beat us 6-5 on penalties in the Semi Finals. After a remarkable display in the group stages beating Netherlands 4-1, there were high hopes that football could actually be coming home. This would not be the case, with Germany defeating the Three Lions in a penalty shootout where the current England manager, Gareth Southgate, missed the deciding penalty. Southgate will be looking for redemption tonight, and let’s hope he can get it. COME ON ENGLAND!