The dream is still alive as goals from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane lifted England to a 2-0 win over Germany at a raucous Wembley.
Germany had a host of big chances, but failed to take them and goals from Sterling and Kane were enough to propel England into the quarter finals of Euro 2020.
Kane’s tournament finally lifted off with his header on 85 minutes, but how did he and his teammates rate?
Jordan Pickford – 8
Pulled off two top-class saves, the first a smothering stop to deny Timo Werner and the second an acrobatic tip over the bar to keep out a thunderbolt from Kai Havertz.
England Pickford is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, try change my mind.#eng #ENGGER #EnglandvGermany #ENG #ENGvsGER #EURO2020 #GER #ger #pickford
— TW8 Bees (@tw8bees) June 29, 2021
Pickford has been superb! Another great save 👏🏻 #GERENG #EURO2020 #ENG
— Andy Miller (@millkong1976) June 29, 2021
Luke Shaw – 7
Looked uncomfortable in the wing-back position in the first half but improved after the break and found himself in an advanced role on 75 minutes to set up Sterling’s goal.
John Stones – 8
Was in cruise control for much of the match and barely put a foot wrong. Showed his class with a superb shepherding job to steer Time Werner away from danger.
Harry Maguire – 8
Won the physical battle with the Germany forwards, in particular Thomas Muller who was thrown round like a rag doll at times. Did miss a big headed chance.
For someone so good at winning a header, Harry Maguire is so bad at heading
— Graham Ruthven (@grahamruthven) June 29, 2021
Kyle Walker – 8
A polished display. Time and again he took up excellent positions to snuff out threats from Germany.
Kieran Trippier – 6
Tried to offer an outlet on the right, but did not fully commit to taking the game to the Germany left back.
Kalvin Phillips – 8
Picked up a booking for a nasty foul on Toni Kroos, but was an assured presence in front of the defence and also showed his passing range.
So all the teams that were in the so called group of death have been eliminated from the #Euro2021 – Portugal, France now Germany. #ENG.
— Zwelakhe (@Zwelakhe1) June 29, 2021
Declan Rice – 7
Picked up an early booking when finding himself out of position, but he did not shirk the issue.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Was a ray of light and revelled in picking up the ball and running at the Germany defence, but did fade in the second half.
Saka carrying England like he did Arsenal… his poor back 😔 #EURO2020 #ENGGER
— Kimani (@kicophony) June 29, 2021
Raheem Sterling – 8
Was a thorn in the side of the Germany defence. Was happy to turn and run at the opposition, forced a fine save out of Manuel Neuer and was in the right place at the right time to turn home Luke Shaw’s cross. Did breathe a sigh of relief when gifting Germany possession, only for Thomas Muller to shoot wide.
Harry Kane – 6
Struggled to get in the game and passed up a big chance in the first half, but his tournament kicked off with his headed goal from a Jack Grealish cross.
Never. In. Doubt. pic.twitter.com/NtIgASbmfm
— England (@England) June 29, 2021
I am just laughing at everyone who has been doubting both Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane on completely baseless reasons. Twitter is getting into your head. Everyone thinks they are fucking managers now when it’s the exact opposite.
— JT (@Jaidev_Tripathy) June 29, 2021