England Report Cards:
Wembley erupts as Three Lions secure historic win over Germany

Goals by Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane see England progress to the quarter-finals of EURO 2020, where they will face Sweden or Ukraine.

Words and Editorial: Luke James

England scored twice in the final fifteen minutes of play to secure a 2-0 victory over Germany and a place in the quarter-finals of EURO 2020.

After battling through a tense first half, Gareth Southgate’s side found the breakthrough on 75 minutes, with Raheem Sterling converting a driven cross from Luke Shaw.

Within minutes of England taking the lead, Bayern Munich forward Thomas Müller missed a glorious chance to tie the game but dragged his shot just wide of Jordan Pickford’s right post.

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With the travelling side deflated following Müller’s miss, England struck again in the 86th-minute. Jack Grealish, a second-half substitute, found space on the left flank before firing the ball into the path of Harry Kane.

England’s captain didn’t miss.

The dream lives on, might it come home after all?

Before we get carried away, here are your Boar Sport report cards for England’s first knockout win over Germany in 55 years. Enjoy.

Player of the Match:

Raheem Sterling: Having spent more of the 2020/21 season on Pep Guardiola's bench than he would've liked, the boy from Brent has had a fabulous tournament.

Today, against Germany, Raheem Sterling found another level.

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As I noted following England's win over the Czech Republic, there is much more to Sterling's game than his pace. An intelligent mover and presser, the QPR academy graduate has proven his doubters wrong at EURO 2020.

With three goals in four games, Sterling is quickly emerging as a candidate for tournament MVP. An incredible turnaround.

A+

Jordan Pickford: Confident, reassuring, professional. Jordan Pickford has often drawn criticism for his erratic performances for Everton.

For the Three Lions, the former Sunderland goalkeeper has been perfect.

Four games. Zero goals against. Three top class saves against Germany. Had it not been for Sterling's electrifying impact in the final third, Pickford would have taken The Boar's POTM award for a second straight game.

Harry Maguire: Despite missing the end of the domestic season through injury, Harry Maguire has been a rock for England.

The Manchester United captain's numbers from the first half against Germany tell the story:

A towering performance from the Sheffield-born defender.

John Stones: Although Maguire will steal some of the limelight, John Stones' performance merits praise too.

Confident in possession and patient when defending the likes of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz one-on-one, Stones didn't put a foot wrong on Saturday evening.

Luke Shaw: When Manchester United line-up in a back three, Luke Shaw is typically asked to play at left centre-back. You wouldn't know it based on his performance against Germany.

A

Kyle Walker: Time-and-time-and-time again, Kyle Walker continues to churn out dependable performances in central defence for England.

The Manchester City full-back's pace was key, particularly in the first half when Werner looked dangerous in the transition.

Declan Rice: Booked in the opening stages, West Ham's pseudo-captain grew into the game and offered a phenomenal performance in the middle of the park.

A-

Kalvin Phillips: The box-to-box foil to Rice's defensive discipline, Kalvin Phillips excelled against Germany.

Although there were occasions when the Rice-Phillips pivot was overwhelmed (due to Havertz and/or Müller dropping into midfield), the Leeds United star was always an effective ball-winner.

Marcelo Bielsa will be smiling from ear to ear.

Kieran Trippier: Restored to the starting line-up, Kieran Trippier's set-piece delivery was impressive.

Late in the first half, the Atletico Madrid full-back sprayed a wonderful cross into Harry Kane's path only for the ball to be cleared by Mats Hummels at the last moment.

Defensively solid. Trippier has been England's best full-back at the European Championship.

Jack Grealish: Introduced as a second-half substitute, Jack Grealish had the desired impact.

Met with rapturous applause from the Wembley faithful, the Aston Villa captain registered an assist with a tidy delivery from the left side.

Grealish probably won't start England's next game - but he will be one of the first players off the bench if the Three Lions need a goal.

B

Bukayo Saka: Energetic in the first half, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka was impressive (as always) under the North London sun. Given licence to roam inside, the 19-year-old often found himself in good positions but rarely received the ball.

C

Harry Kane: Subdued. Anonymous. Leggy.

All of those adjectives (and many less polite ones) were used to describe Harry Kane's performance against Germany before he found the net.

Although Kane's goal saves him from a D-grade, the Spurs forward must improve.

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Nothing to See

Jordan Henderson: An 88th minute replacement for Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson's cameo appearances yielded little of note.

Team Report:

As I wrote following England's win over the Czech Republic, it is time that we accept Gareth Southgate for the defensive coach that he is.

I also wrote that Southgate's approach could only be judged after England had faced top-quality opposition.

Unlike some, I'm not convinced that this German squad is of that level. However, today's result gives reasons to believe that Southgate's side might be the real deal.

A week ago, I suggested that England would only beat Germany if they ensured their round of sixteen clash was "a low-event game". It was. And they won.

As Joachim Low's time in charge of the German national team comes to an end, Gareth Southgate roars towards the promised land.

Until today, England had never won a knockout game at the Euros in regulation time.

Perhaps it is time to trust Southgate-ball? Only time will tell.

Up Next:

England will face Ukraine or Sweden in the quarter-final of EURO 2020 on Saturday 3 July at 20:00, live on BBC One.

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