England's performance at Euro 2020: Making it to the last 16 and looking to go further

England’s performance at Euro 2020 has been a rollercoaster so far. The team started off strong, with a convincing 1-0 win against Croatia in their opening game. However, they then had to settle for a disappointing goalless draw against rivals Scotland in their second match. Nevertheless, the team managed to bounce back in their final group game, beating the Czech Republic 1-0 to secure top spot in Group D and a place in the knockout stages.

One of the standout performers for England in the group stage has been Raheem Sterling. The Manchester City forward scored the winning goals in both the Croatia and Czech Republic games, displaying his impressive speed and finishing ability. Meanwhile, captain Harry Kane has yet to find the back of the net despite playing in all three group games. However, he has still been a vital player for England with his hold-up play and ability to create chances for his teammates.

Defensive solidity

One area where England has been particularly impressive is in defence. The team has yet to concede a goal in the tournament, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford making some crucial saves to keep out the opposition. The partnership between centre-backs John Stones and Tyrone Mings has also been solid, providing a strong base for England to build from.

Manager Gareth Southgate has faced some criticism for his conservative tactics, particularly in the Scotland game where he opted to play with a back five. However, his approach has clearly paid off in terms of defensive solidity, and he will be hoping that his team can continue to keep things tight at the back in the knockout stages.

A tough test ahead

England’s next opponents in the last 16 will be Germany, in what promises to be a highly anticipated and tense match. The two teams have a rich history of rivalry and have met many times over the years in major tournaments, with Germany coming out on top in several key encounters.

However, England will be hoping to turn the tide this time around. They will have the added advantage of playing at Wembley Stadium in front of a passionate home crowd, which could provide them with the boost they need to secure victory. Nevertheless, Germany will present a formidable challenge. The team boasts some impressive attacking talent, including the likes of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Serge Gnabry, and will be looking to take advantage of any defensive weaknesses that England may have.

Potential for success?

If England can overcome Germany in the last 16, they will be on course for a potentially successful tournament. The team’s defensive solidity and attacking threat, combined with the advantage of playing on home soil, make them a strong contender. However, there are still many factors that could influence their chances, including injuries, tactical decisions, and the form of their key players.

Overall, England’s performance at Euro 2020 so far has been positive, with the team showing glimpses of their potential. Fans will be hoping that they can build on this momentum and make a real push for the title. Whether or not they are able to achieve this will depend on a variety of factors, but one thing is for sure - the eyes of the nation will be firmly fixed on Wembley Stadium as the team takes on Germany in the next round.