Declan Rice on Germany memories and Mason Mount
Declan Rice has been speaking about his memories of England playing Germany and missing Mason Mount after he had to self-isolate.
England vs Germany: Line-ups
England
Germany
It’s Not Coming Home
#1
It has now been over 450 minutes of football since Southgate’s side last conceded a goal and they head into their clash with Germany on a nine-game unbeaten run across all competitions, but all four of their most recent victories have come courtesy of a 1-0 scoreline – certainly cause for concern before inevitable fixtures with the continent’s finest.
#2
Whether Southgate opts to keep faith in the 4-2-3-1 or take a punt on his previously favoured three-man defence, one thing is for certain – England simply have to dust off their best shooting boots to be in with a chance of a quarter-final versus either Sweden or Ukraine.
#3
Should England manage to produce the goods in normal time, it would mark the first time ever that the Three Lions have won a European Championship knockout game over the course of 90 minutes, but Joachim Low and his last dance will be out to make England’s 300th Wembley outing a truly miserable one.
#4
Die Mannschaft may not be the force they once were in Rio de Janeiro seven years ago, but their penchant for major tournaments is well-documented, as they have managed to advance to the semi-final stage of the Euros three times in succession since the outgoing Low took the reins in 2006.
#5
A continental winners’ medal is still missing from Low’s CV, as the Germany manager witnessed his side fall at the final hurdle in 2008 before back-to-back semi-final finishes in 2012 and 2016, so Germany would do well to replicate the feats of the 1996 champions in the English capital this time around.
DPP Verdict
There would be no better time for Kane and co to rediscover their golden touch against a Germany defence which is certainly not impenetrable, and it is exactly these sorts of tests that England must prevail in to prove their credentials as serious contenders for the crown. Progressing from the group without a single goal shipped is undoubtedly a positive sign, but Germany’s attackers are that little bit more potent than the Czechs or Croats. Fans will back an England win, but in a tale as old as time, the Germans’ winning mentality should shine through as another shot at glory goes begging for the Three Lions.
