Euro 2020: Three Lions Are Ready to Roar

England vs Germany

England and Germany continue their Euro 2020 campaign at Wembley on Tuesday in the most fascinating clash of the Round of 16.

This is one of the biggest matches for SBOTOP Euro 2020 fans to look forward to, as two of the fiercest rivals in international football come face to face. While England have the better form, probably the better players, and home advantage, nothing is ever taken for granted against Germany and the pre-match Euro 2020 betting odds only give the Three Lions a slight edge.

But the cards are stacked in the hosts’ favour and they will probably never have a better chance to put one over the Germans.

 

Talking Points

Can this be Southgate’s redemption?

England fans look back to Euro 1996 as a huge chance missed to end the 30 years of hurt as it was back then. As the anthem of ‘Football’s Coming Home’ rang around stadiums the length and breadth of England the national side looked on course to win a first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

Then came the ominous task of a semi-final shootout against Germany after the Three Lions had dominated much of the game, with Paul Gascoigne missing the potential winning goal by a whisker.

Penalty shootouts are such a cruel way to lose a tournament and the weight of failure sits too heavily on one set of shoulders. Back in 1996, it was a young Gareth Southgate who missed the vital spot kick. Twenty-five years on, he’s the England head coach, already guiding the Three Lions to the 2018 World Cup semi-final and this could be his redemption.

England came through the group stage in good shape, winning two games and drawing one to top Group D and, after missing some key players, Southgate has a strong squad of players fighting for places.

Vital minutes for Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson in the win over the Czech Republic were a boost as both bring vital leadership skills to the team, while England’s young players have made Euro 2020 news with their exciting style of play.

Bukayo Saka was outstanding in the first half of their win over the Czech Republic, as was the mercurial Jack Grealish, but one of them is likely to make room for Manchester City’s Phil Foden, who was rested in the final group game.

Raheem Sterling has scored twice, while Captain Harry Kane has vowed to rediscover his scoring form despite all the noise going on at Tottenham Hotspur, where his domestic club is struggling to find a manager and Kane’s future looks uncertain. If Kane’s right and starts to score, then 2021 could be England and Southgate’s year.

 

Can Germany’s defence stop the leaks?

On the final round of Group F, only France stayed at the top while Germany, Portugal and Hungary exchanged places, and when the final whistles blew, Germany had landed in second. Their form has been inconsistent and only a late equaliser against Hungary saved Joachim Low’s team from exiting two consecutive tournaments at the group stage.

Germany conceded five goals in their three games and only really looked dangerous in the 4-2 win over Portugal, and their habit of leaking goals must be a worry. Last November, they were destroyed 6-0 by Spain in a Nations League match and they have gone six games without earning a clean sheet.

Mats Hummels is still a superb defender, but he is lacking some pace and he could be caught out by England’s quicksilver forwards. Midfield duo Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan will have to work hard to stem the supply of English ammunition.

It may be the case that Germany need to score twice to win, and a lot will depend on the performance of Chelsea’s Kai Havertz, who has been operating up front as a lone striker, scoring two goals so far. He may drop deeper and hand the striker’s role to Serge Gnabry, with Leroy Sane in support.

Head coach Jogi Low is bowing out after this competition and he won’t want his last game to be against England.

 

History

Germany have won five of the nine encounters since that huge game in 1996, while England have won three and there has been a single draw, but while recent history may be in Germany’s favour, current form gives England the advantage.

The Three Lions are unbeaten in nine games, and eight at the Wembley Stadium, while Germany’s form has been patchy: winning two, drawing two and losing two of the last six.

 

Betting Tip

	England vs Germany	1X2 England @ 2.57
	June 30, 00:00 (GMT+8)

With the draw at 3.10 and Germany at 2.72 all three results are in play here, but while the visitors have some dangerous and experienced players; I’m backing England’s young lions to give them the run-around.

England will be on the front foot but if you fancy the cautious option, England, Draw no Bet, is available as an alternative at odds of 1.83.  

A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH:
= €20 (Highly confident)	= €10 (CONFIDENT)	= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

 

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