Prediction: England vs Germany

Verdict: England win

Best Odds: 3/2

Bookmaker: Unibet

In what is a mouth-watering round of 16 showdown on Tuesday evening, England will welcome Germany to what should be a lively Wembley in midweek.

England

Starting with the hosts, while England might have failed to lay down much of a marker this summer, The Three Lions did wrap up top spot in Group D and are still tipped by many as one of the standout picks at this year’s delayed European Championships. Managing to bounce back from that disappointing 0-0 stalemate against British rivals Scotland on June 18th, Gareth Southgate’s squad were last seen landing a 1-0 win against the Czech Republic on home soil. Watching the Czechs dump Holland out over the weekend and managing to muster themselves seven points from their three Group D contests, The Whites also know that they have a favourable route should they come past their old enemy on Tuesday evening. Although the one-time Aston Villa defender might still have a headache over Harry Kane’s recent issues, England fans should be excited by their side’s continued displays at the back. Yet to pick the ball out of their own net since opening this summer’s delayed tournament, England have now shipped just a single goal from their last nine matchups across all formats.

Team News

With both Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell only allowed to leave isolation on Tuesday morning, it is unlikely that either of the Chelsea duo will feature at Wembley.

Making his return from an ankle injury earlier in the month, Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire should partner John Stones in defence.

Germany

As for the visitors, while Germany might have managed to stun many with that 4-2 win against now-former champions Portugal on June 19th, The Whites have only shown a host of issues over the past few years. With it already confirmed that long-standing boss Joachim Löw will be stepping down after the summer, the European heavyweights needed a late miracle as they secured their spot in the knockout stage. Going one step further after their nightmare campaign out in Russia at the World Cup finals three years ago, the Germans had to claw themselves what was a stunning 2-2 draw against Hungary last week. Once again showing the same problems that have continued to haunt them, Löw’s side have won just a pair of their last six matchups across all formats and have gained a real reputation for their issues at the back. Including an infamous 2-1 defeat against North Macedonia in March’s World Cup qualifiers, it should also be noted that the former world champions have failed to record a single clean sheet in any of their previous six appearances.

Team News

Having to settle for a spot coming off the bench against Hungary last week, Thomas Muller is expected for a recall to Joachim Löw’s starting XI on Tuesday evening.

Despite missing training over the weekend due to a cold, Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is expected to be fit enough to start at Wembley.

Key Factors to Consider

• The last time Tuesday’s opponents faced off at a major tournament, Germany picked up that controversial 4-1 win out in South Africa.
• England have conceded just a single goal in their last nine matchups across all formats and they’re also yet to concede a strike this summer.
• Germany have managed to win just a pair of their last six matchups across all formats, a run highlighted by a 2-1 defeat against North Macedonia back in March.
• Likewise, Tuesday’s guests have failed to record a single clean sheet in their last six straight appearances.

Conclusion

While England might have failed to lay down much of a marker in their Group D run, The Three Lions should be smelling a chance on home soil this week. Continuing to gain a reputation for their success at the back and still yet to pick the ball out of their own net this summer, Gareth Southgate’s side will be looking to gain some revenge after those controversial scenes out in South Africa 11 years ago. Welcoming Germany to what should be a lively Wembley on Tuesday evening, England’s old enemy have only shown a host of issues on either side of this summer’s tournament. Lucky to have clawed their way to the knockout stage after that remarkable 2-2 draw against Hungary last week, the former world champions also had their issues underlined by that shock 2-1 defeat against North Macedonia back in March.

Verdict: England win

Best Odds: 3/2

Bookmaker: Unibet