England vs Germany preview: Acid test for Southgate's men

Round of 16: England vs Germany, kick-off 5pm (UK time, BBC One)

Some might say a game this big needs no introduction and little build-up.

Any time England meet Germany, regardless of the circumstances in which it is being played, it will always make for a major occasion.

But the fact tonight's match is taking place at Wembley during a major tournament means it will be treated as the standout game of the last 16.

Story so far

England’s progress through the group stage was relatively straightforward — but also fairly uninspiring.

Narrow 1-0 wins against Croatia and the Czech Republic were sandwiched either side of a goalles draw with Scotland, meaning Gareth Southgate’s side topped Group D without conceding a single goal.

Germany were within a whisker of being knocked out in the group stage, just as they were at the World Cup in 2018.

Following defeat to France, they looked to have hit top gear in their 4-2 win against Portugal but were soon brought back down to earth by Hungary.

They trailed twice before Leon Goretzka spared Die Mannschaft's blushes with a late equaliser.

Leon the professional

Goretzka, 26, has yet to start a game at Euro 2020, partly due to his return from injury coinciding with Germany’s first match.

His goal off the bench against Hungary was vital and Joachim Low could now see him as an important part of his plans this evening.

If he does start against England, Bayern’s box-to-box buccaneer could cause the Three Lions problems through the middle — thanks in no small part to a combination of impressive physical and technical attributes.

Can Pickford handle the pressure?

Jordan Pickford's display against Scotland went under the radar somewhat, amid criticism of the lack of impetus in attack.

His save from Stephen O’Donnell was one of the standout moments of the match.

In truth, Pickford has had little to do in terms of shot stopping so far but his all-round game has been sound.

The Everton keeper's performance against Germany’s arsenal of attacking talent could be the difference between progress and elimination — and that is before you even consider the possibility of the game going to penalties.

Fight of the full-backs

It was crystal clear in the group stage that much of Germany’s play goes through the areas occupied by their wing-backs.

Left-back Robin Gosens was the standout player in their 4-2 win against Portugal.

He picked up the Star of the Match award after capping his performance with a goal but his game was more about the danger he posed down the left flank.

Being able to use Joshua Kimmich, one of the best midfielders in the world, in the right wing-back role is another indication of the quality Germany boast.

The full-back position has also been considered the strongest area of England’s squad — certainly depth-wise — and Southgate could be tempted to use right-footed Kieran Trippier on the left to combat Kimmich.

It is something Italy have done successfully with Leonardo Spinazzola, while Joakim Maehle has also been impressive in that role for Denmark.

Underperforming

Though the two sides had contrasting fortunes in the group stage, there has been a similar amount of praise and criticism aimed at both.

The narrative is one of each team possessing great players — but ones who are capable of more than they have shown as a unit.

Both England and Germany appear to be waiting for the right moment to click fully into gear. 

The team that does so first this evening will surely emerge victorious and advance to the quarter-finals.