England and Germany go head to head at Wembley this evening in a huge last-16 showdown at Euro 2020, with a quarter-final place against either Sweden or Ukraine in Rome on Saturday up for grabs.
Here, Standard Sport’s chief football correspondent Dan Kilpatrick assesses the key battles and tactics that are likely to decide the match...
Kieran Trippier v Robin Gosens
Germany’s standout player in the group, left wing-back Gosens has already scored and set up two.
With England expected to match Germany’s 3-4-3 system, Trippier will need to force the Atalanta man onto the back foot and into his own half.
The same is true of Luke Shaw’s likely battle with Joshua Kimmich on the other flank.
Harry Kane v Mats Hummels
Goal-less Kane will be up against a back-three and one of Europe’s most experienced centre-backs in Hummels.
While the Borussia Dortmund star will relish the physical battle, Kane will try to drag Hummels out of position and look for pockets of space between the lines, where he can pick out runners in Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling.
Kyle Walker v Serge Gnabry
A race between two of the quickest players at the tournament is a possibility, with Walker expected to revert to centre-half in a back three and Gnabry set to lead Germany’s line.
Walker’s pace and strength in the recovery could be vital at nullifying counter-attacks, while Gnabry will look to drag him wide to create openings for Kai Havertz and Thomas Muller.
