England’s round of 16 opponents at Euro 2020 has been confirmed as Germany.
Gareth Southgate’s men secured the top spot in Group D on Tuesday night by earning their second 1-0 victory in the tournament against the Czech Republic at Wembley.
Their status as group winners should have given them a favorable draw in the first knockout round, but it has now been confirmed that they will play Germany on Tuesday, June 29 at 17:00 (GMT).
Joachim Low’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by Hungary and were twice forced to come from behind to earn a point in their last Group F excursion.
After falling behind to an Adam Szalai goal, Kai Havertz pulled them into the second half, although Hungary immediately struck back through Andras Schafer. Low’s side looked to be out of contention, but Leon Goretzka’s strike in the 84th minute ensured they would go to Wembley to face England on Tuesday.
While England could not have asked for a much tougher second-place opponent who had finished top of their group, Germany will certainly not enjoy the prospect of meeting the three lions.
England meets Joachim Lows Germany / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
England not only have home advantages with their first knockout game played at Wembley, Southgate’s side have also yet to concede a goal in this summer’s tournament.
After starting their campaign with a solid if not spectacular victory over Croatia with the permission of Raheem Sterling’s second half, England were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by the tough rivals Scotland when Steve Clarke’s side took their only point in the tournament.
Southgate’s side needed to take all three points from their last group game against the Czech Republic to ensure they reached the top of Group D, and once again Sterling proved to be the man of the hour as his first half secured a 1-0 victory.
