England – the home of football – and Germany – the most successful European nation – lock the horns again in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.
The two countries both have a proud football heritage and, as you may already know, they have produced some of the most iconic players to ever play the game.
Choosing a full-time XI between the two countries is not an easy task, but hey, someone has to do it. How to go …
Gordon Banks: A Legend of the Game / Chris Morphet / Getty Images
England caps: 73When you have Gordon Banks to choose from, not many other goalkeepers will look in.
The English legend is one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time – widely regarded as having made the best save in history (you can hear the comment now I’m sure) – and was in goal when the three Lions beat Germany in the 1966 World Cup final.
Philipp Lahm lifts World Cup trophy / Amin Mohammad Jamali / Getty Images
Germany meetings: 113During a decade-long international career, Philipp Lahm achieved what every player dreams of: he was captain of his country to the 2014 World Cup success.
The final against Argentina, where the legend in Bayern Munich lasted a full 120 minutes, was his last hat for Die Mannschaft when he wrote his name in German folklore.
Bobby Moore / Keystone / Getty Images
England caps: 108
Bobby Moore did not have the most lucrative club career, but only won an FA Cup title in England. But he was one of the most iconic figures on the country’s 1966-winning side.
He even wrote a lyric in the Battle of Three Lions in 1996 – how much more iconic can you get?
Franz Beckenbauer in action for Bayern Munich / Alessandro Sabattini / Getty Images
Germany meetings: 103There are not many better football players ever.
A European and world champion (as captain) with West Germany in 1972 and 1974 respectively, there was little he did not win during his astonishing career.
Innovative, dazzlingly talented and a real leader, he is one of the very best in our sport and of course does all the classic combined XI.
Ashley Cole in action for England 2014 / Mike Hewitt / Getty Images
England caps: 107During his 13-year career in England, Ashley Cole became a centurion for the national side (still the only hill to do so) and was firmly one of the best left-backs on the planet at all times.
A glittering domestic trophy cabinet with the permission of exceptional spells in Arsenal and Chelsea was unfortunately not matched on the international stage, but how disappointed the failed “golden generation” was, Cole was undeniably fantastic.
Lothar Matthaus is another icon / Alessandro Sabattini / Getty Images
Germany caps: 150 150 mice for Germany? It’s just mental.
Lothar Matthaus is another legendary figure in this XI and was a terrifying complete football player in the middle of the midfield. His rather ridiculous perseverance and quality made him participate in five World Cups and four European Championships and won one of each.
Matthaus’ individual honor roll is simply astonishing as well, including the 1990 Ballon d’Or award – what a football player.
David Beckham was classic number 7 / Jamie McDonald / Getty Images
England caps: 115David Beckham is England’s third most equalized player, and given the longevity of his international career, you can probably guess that there were some unforgettable moments during it.
From that free kick against Greece to his overall attitude to playing for his country, he is a real sensation and belongs in any England.
Bobby Charlton, Another World Cup Winner / Michael Webb / Getty Images
England caps: 106Another 1966 World Cup winner, Bobby Charlton lifted the trophy without missing a single second of the competition, as well as scoring three key goals in the process – a move that helped him win the Ballon d’Or the same year.
Gerd Muller in action at the 1974 World Cup / STAFF / Getty Images
Germany meetings: 62
Despite a relatively modest 62 international for his country, Gerd Muller still managed to hit an incredible 68 international goals – including six hat-tricks.
The prolific striker won the Ballon d’0r in 1970 and scored four points to help his nation lift the World Cup four years later.
Miroslav Klose with WC 2014 / Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images
Germany meetings: 137The great forward may not have been the most exciting player to watch, but he was truly one of the most brilliant servants in his country.
During his 137 international appearances (second for Germany), he scored a total of 71 goals and placed him on the top list. After finishing second in the 2002 World Cup and 2008 European Championships, the striker finally found glory in 2014 and helped his country win the 2014 World Cup.
Wayne Rooney as captain of England / Michael Regan / Getty Images
England caps: 120In second place on the list of England appearances and in the top list of Three Lions points, you will not be much more legendary than Wayne Rooney.
Although he never managed to advance the nation in honor of the tournament, Rooney was an undisputed player for England for the 13 years since his 2003 debut.
His hair may have disappeared during that time, but his quality never faded.
