Johannesburg – England did not disappoint the Wembley crowd in their greatest Euro challenge so far this summer and are now on to the quarter-finals with confidence building from front to back, reports Goal.com.
Both of their second-half goals came from crosses drilled from the left side of the box – first from Luke Shaw to Raheem Sterling, then from substitute Jack Grealish to Harry Kane.
Major tournament results rarely come easy for the Three Lions, but the 2-0 win over Germany somehow felt simple.
Part of that sensation is perhaps just a comedown from the events on Monday – France were dramatically knocked out and Spain nearly met the same fate – but it still feels notable for Gareth Southgate’s group to comprehensively do a job with the stakes so high.
Underappreciated Sterling effective again
From Goal correspondent Nizaar Kinsella, who attended the match:
“Gareth Southgate has faced a barrage of criticism for his decisions at Euro 2020, not least for persisting with Raheem Sterling when England have so many other attacking talents.
The Three Lions manager must have felt fully vindicated when the Manchester City forward repaid his faith by netting his third goal of Euro 2020.
Sterling didn’t just finish the move, either. It was he who made a driving run through the middle which ended with him tapping home a low cross from Luke Shaw with just 15 minutes remaining.
He is an inspiration, not only to a younger generation of fans but also the more inexperienced members of the dressing room, with the 26-year-old having emerged as a mentor for Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden.
Bizarrely, he remains underappreciated by many, but he is underlining his importance to the England cause with his performances at a stadium located in the same area in which he grew up.”
Grealish the spark
Grealish has been used by Southgate both as a substitute and starter, and he has delighted in both roles with an assist in back-to-back appearances.
There must be a weird mix of emotions for Aston Villa seeing these performances. The club will have a tougher time holding on to Grealish with each impressive display on the Euro 2020 stage, but they can also be quite proud of one of their own representing them so gracefully while knowing his increased stature will ultimately boost their leverage in negotiations with Manchester City.
Two positive fitness signals
Defensive anchor Harry Maguire did not appear at all in England’s first two matches, while some speculated that Harry Kane’s early struggles in the tournament were the result of undisclosed injury issue, (which he has denied).
The tune changed against Germany, though, the pair turning in full and effective 90-minute shifts. Kane’s goal was his first of the competition.
The Three Lions are obviously far more dangerous with their Harrys at full strength, and their presences in the next round could be crucial in trying to ward off an upset by Ukraine.
Goodbye Low … and Muller? and Kroos?
One of the defining images of Germany’s exit will be Thomas Muller on his knees, hands put to rest over his head, after missing a would-be equaliser in the 81st minute.
He had converted similar clutch chances for club and country so often that the sight of him sliding a shot wide of the post when in on goal in the moment seemed like further proof of a glitch in whatever simulation we’re all a part of.
On further thought, maybe it’s just evidence that the end of this era of German football we all knew was coming but somehow never expected to actually watch is finally here.
Whether you’re sad or happy to see it, you will almost certainly feel something about the familiar cast of German characters giving way to a still unproven next generation.
We already know Low is moving on from his national team job. Muller, banished from the group until a couple of months ago, may be out again. Same deal for Mats Hummels. Even Toni Kroos is reportedly
considering international retirement.
The next World Cup squad is sure to look quite different from the one that took the field this summer.
“It’s damn sad that the era is ending like this,” said 35-year-old Manuel Neuer to ARD. “Former players owe [Low] a lot. He shaped this era. That hurts.”
Ukraine score latest Euro winner ever
Timed at 120:37, Ukraine forward Artem Dovbyk’s game-winning goal against Sweden was the latest winner scored in Euros history.
A yellow card upgraded by VAR to red for Sweden defender Marcus Danielson earlier in extra-time had opened the door for the breakthrough. The call was strongly protested on the pitch, but afterwards, manager Jan Andersson offered no complaints.
Ukraine must now go to Rome to play favoured England, though they have every right to enjoy themselves in the immediate aftermath of their last 16 triumph.
“With this performance and commitment, our team has deserved the love of the whole country,” said head coach Andriy Shevchenko.
Quarter-finals, here we come
The elimination of France, Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands has completely changed the tournament picture.
Spain now hold a 24.2 percent chance of winning Euro 2020, according to Opta’s latest model, which ranks highest entering the next round. Belgium are just behind at 23.9% and England are considered third most likely at 18.3%.
Here are the four match-ups for the quarter-finals…
Switzerland vs Spain
Belgium vs Italy
Czech Republic vs Denmark
Ukraine vs England
Latest Results
England 2-0 Germany
Sweden 1-2 Ukraine (AET)
Today’s action:
None (rest day)
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