Phillip Buckley
What: FIFA 2010 World Cup
Who: England vs Germany (Last 16)
When: Sunday 27th June, 2010, at 15:00 UK Time
Where: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa
It Started with a Stumble
To say England were slow off the mark in South Africa would be something of an understatement. Fabio Capello’s men owe their passage to the last 16 to one cross and one goal against Slovenia. Of course, it’s never how a team starts a tournament that matters though, it’s how they finish it, but a second place spot in Group C has brought a meeting with a powerhouse much sooner than would have been hoped.
Capello watched closely as England midfielder James Milner produced an outstanding display against Slovenia in the final group game, causing havoc with a series of very dangerous crosses. Combied with better ball retention and a sense of belief, England should start confident that Germany can be beaten. Having watched Ledley King return to full training, the Italian coach has a full 23-man squad to choose from, with the return of the Tottenham Hotspur man also meaning a decision must be taken over John Terry’s partner at centre back: Is it Jamie Carrager? Matthew Upson? Or Ledley King?
With a squad packed full of experienced players who have seen it all before, England have few excuses should they fail to beat the Germans. For Capello and co. it’s now or never.
Counting on Youth
In sharp contrast to the English squad, German have fielded a side packed with youth, several of whom turned out in the European Under-21 final side that dispatched their English counterparts last summer. Looking to the next generation to grow up early, the Germans will also be counting on this experience of beating the English, so fresh in their minds, to play a part.
Coach Joachim Low has already received a double blow before the crunch clash even kicks off: Cacau will certainly miss the contest with a pulled stomach muscle and midfield busy-bee Bastian Schweinsteiger is major doubt. Nevertheless, the Germans would not betray an ounce of worry. "Germany have never approached these games with fear", blasted Low. "There is tension, but it is healthy stage fright. Great respect? Yes, but we won’t go into hiding or put our heads in the sand. While we have a young team we will be able to hold our own."
Interestingly enough, for the Germans, this isn’t their most obsessed about contest. Rivalry with the English of course is important, but the real fire comes from a meeting with Holland. Disaster it would not be for their young guns to fall, though Germans will never entertain the prospect of defeat before it becomes inevitable.
Recent form
England:
England 1–1 United States (12/06; World Cup – Group C)
Algeria 0–0 England (18/06; World Cup – Group C)
Slovenia 0–1 England (23/06; World Cup – Group C)
Germany:
Germany 4–0 Australia (13/06; World Cup – Group D)
Serbia 1–0 Germany (18/06; World Cup – Group D)
Ghana 0–1 Germany (23/06; World Cup – Group D)
Players to watch
England – James Milner: Simply outstanding against Slovenia, Milner needs a big big performance against the Germans. The Aston Villa man is in some demand and it’s clear to see why. A good footballing brain, excellent control of the ball and a killer cross, Milner is the main reason why England are lining up in the last 16. The 24-year-old will carry extra motivation into the meeting with Germany having been part of the England team which lost the Under-21 final.
Germany – Philipp Lahm: The ever steady defender will be crucial to Germany’s chances, not just because he must stop England’s supply into the box, but also because he will bring much needed experience to the side. Germany’s captain, Lahm knows all about the big stage and will be urging his troops on. The attacking full back also has a powerful shot, often cutting in from the flank to unleash a thunderbolt.
Match prediction
England have players with considerably more experience with the Germans and their performance against Slovenia gave cause for optimism. The Germans meanwhile, have already tasted defeat once in this World Cup, to Serbia. While Joachim Low has a number of outstanding young players who will carry the German tradition of ultra confidence into this game, England’s extra know-how of the big stage, combined with a team beginning to find some form, should see them pass this test. England will win a nervy encounter 1-0.
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