Rio Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker summed up the feelings of a nation when celebrating Raheem Sterling’s opener vs Germany on Tuesday evening.
England fans were full of hope going into their last 16 game with historic rivals Germany at Wembley but, after Monday’s games delivered lots of excitement, things were pretty tight for much of the game.
Sterling was England’s most dangerous player, with Bukayo Saka, and he scored his third goal of the tournament in the 75th minute.
The Manchester City forward got on the end of Luke Shaw’s cross, after starting the move himself, to make it 1-0 and send the country into raptures.
Fans Wembley Stadium exploded with excitement and it was no better in the BBC studio where Ferdinand, Shearer and Lineker couldn’t hold themselves back.
The reaction when Raheem Sterling scored England’s opener against Germany 😂
Just look at @rioferdy5 😭
📺📻 Watch: https://t.co/qKAfuzVWOR#bbceuro2020 #ENGGER pic.twitter.com/4HKCDP7NBw
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 29, 2021
In contrast to the three former England internationals, two of whom lost huge tournament knockout games to Germany during their careers, was Jurgen Klinsmann.
The former Tottenham Hotspur striker could do nothing but lean over their balcony at the stadium, and worse was to come for him.
England doubled their lead nine minutes later. This time Jack Grealish crossed into the box and Harry Kane, yet to score in the tournament before today, headed home from an awkward position.
Once again the crowd erupted as they knew their team were through to the quarters of the Euros, having won their first knockout game in the competition since beating Spain on penalties in 1996.
Just watching this Harry Kane goal on repeat 🔄
England have beaten Germany at a tournament…
Highlights and report ⤵#bbceuro2020 #ENGGER
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 29, 2021
The Three Lions are now the bookies’ favourites to win the competition, due in part to the fact that defending champions Portugal and reigning world champions France have both been knocked out.
Gareth Southgate’s men next face the winners of Ukraine vs Sweden, who play later on Tuesday, on Saturday night in Rome.
It’ll be the first time that England play away from Wembley in the tournament, and the only one should they progress.
Is it coming home?
Featured Image Credit: BBC Sports