Sterling and Harry Kane fire England past old foes Germany

Goals inside the final 15 minutes from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane did the job for Gareth Southgate’s men, progressing into the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 with a 2-0 victory.

In what was the largest crowd inside the national stadium since before the coronavirus pandemic began 15 months ago, the stadium erupted when Sterling put the hosts in front with his third goal of the tournament.

Substitute Jack Grealish played a part in both goals, teeing up Kane to notch the second after Thomas Muller had wasted a gilt-edged opportunity to level for Joachim Low’s men.

England will now face either Sweden or Ukraine in the quarter-finals in Rome on Saturday evening. Those two face off later tonight.

Southgate made just one change from the side which beat Czech Republic in the final group game, but that did also signal a shift in formation. Kieran Trippier was preferred to Grealish, as England switched to a back three.

Meanwhile Germany brought Leon Goretzka, Muller and Timo Werner into their XI.

And Low’s side, who only scraped through to the last 16 by battling back to draw with Hungary in their final group match, made a strong start, controlling possession.

But goalkeeper Jordan Pickford remained unworked, down in part to Declan Rice tripping Goretzka as he broke through on goal, a foul which saw the West Ham United man booked.

Bukayo Saka, man-of-the-match against Czech Republic, was looking the liveliest threat for England and the hosts did soon get into their attacking stride.

Sterling tested Manuel Neuer with an effort from outside the box, before the keeper also held on to Harry Maguire’s header from the resulting corner.

The centre-back then headed another presentable chance over the crossbar before the clearest opening of the half. Chelsea’s Werner charged away from the England defence in the left channel, breaking into the box, but his shot was denied by the legs of a sliding Pickford.

England created one more opening just before the half was out with the ball falling to Kane in the box after good work by Sterling, but the German defence recovered well to ensure the game was goalless at the break.

Like the first half, Germany began the second period strongly. Neat work around the box led to Kai Havertz being picked out, but his fierce, rising drive was acrobatically tipped over the bar by Pickford.

As the game meandered towards its final 20 minutes, both managers turned to their benches. Serge Gnabry replaced Werner for Germany, while Grealish was given a rousing reception as he came on for Saka.

And the Villa man was very soon playing a key role. After collecting the ball on the edge of the box from Kane, Grealish picked out Luke Shaw on the left. The full-back’s low cross was inch-perfect for the run of Sterling to tuck home in the centre, to send Wembley into raptures.

But Germany were soon presented with the golden chance to level. Havertz slipped the ball through for Muller, who raced clear one-on-one with Pickford. Wembley fell silent as he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way with his shot, but the effort slid agonisingly past the post.

That miss was to be punished as England secured their passage into the last eight with four minutes to play. Grealish was again heavily involved, securing his second assist in as many games, crossing for Kane to nod home in the centre.

England: Pickford; Walker, Maguire, Stones; Trippier, Phillips, Rice (Henderson, 88), Shaw; Saka (Grealish, 69), Sterling, Kane.

Unused subs: James, Coady, Mings, Bellingham, Mount, Foden, Sancho, Rashford, Johnstone (g/k), Ramsdale (g/k).

Booked: Rice, Phillips, Maguire.

Germany: Neuer; Ginter, Hummels, Rudiger; Kimmich, Goretzka, Kroos, Gosens; Havertz, Muller, Werner (Gnabry, 68).

Unused subs: Halstenberg, Koch, Neuhaus, Sule, Gundogan, Volland, Trapp (g/k), Leno (g/k).

Booked: Ginter, Gosens.

Referee: Danny Makkelie.