England 2-0 Germany: 5 Hits and Flops as Three Lions exact revenge to seal quarter-final berth

England v Germany - UEFA Euro 2020: Round of 16
England v Germany - UEFA Euro 2020: Round of 16

#3 Hit: Luke Shaw (England)

England v Germany - UEFA Euro 2020: Round of 16
England v Germany - UEFA Euro 2020: Round of 16

The Manchester United star was excellent throughout and contributed effectively in attack and defense. In what could be termed as the blueprint for an ideal performance from a modern wing-back, Shaw was heavily involved in both goals for England.

While he successfully negotiated the threat from Joshua Kimmich in wide areas during the first half, Shaw upped the ante soon after the interval.

The 25-year-old drilled in the perfect cross for Raheem Sterling to stab home the opening goal, before he initiated the move for the second goal through sheer determination.

Shaw pressed Serge Gnabry to win the ball just beyond the halfway line and then forayed forward before feeding Jack Grealish, who then put it on a plate for Harry Kane.


#2 Flop: Thomas Muller (Germany)

England v Germany - UEFA Euro 2020: Round of 16
England v Germany - UEFA Euro 2020: Round of 16

It is safe to say Muller will not forget Wembley 2020 for all the wrong reasons. The German is undoubtedly one of the most decorated and accomplished footballers in the world, but if it doesn't already feel like the twilight of his career, the events at Wembley have further amplified it.

Muller struggled to find the kind of space he could thrive on inside the final third and was ineffective for the majority of the game. However, the 31-year-old still had the best chance to score and squandered it in comical fashion.

Sterling's lackadaisical backpass allowed Havertz to send Muller through on goal and with just the goalkeeper to beat, the Bayern Munich star sliced his shot wide of the target. England breathed a collective sigh of relief as Muller's shocking miss prevented Germany from restoring parity.

The wait for a goal at the European championship goes on for Muller and with the next edition coming four years later, it feels as if he might not be around to try and change it.


#1 Hit: Jack Grealish (England)

England v Germany - UEFA Euro 2020: Round of 16
England v Germany - UEFA Euro 2020: Round of 16

England needed a hero and Grealish stepped up in style. When the game threatened to peter out into a goalless draw, Gareth Southgate decided to roll his dice.

Grealish is one of the best ball carriers in the world and has a penchant for making things happen out of thin air. The Aston Villa captain did exactly the same against Germany and provided a much-needed spark inside the final third for England.

After feeding Shaw in the build-up to the opening goal, Grealish then followed it up by bagging an assist five minutes later. It was his well-directed cross that allowed Kane to break his duck in the tournament with a diving header from close range.

Undoubtedly, Grealish is the x-factor within the England camp and if he keeps on delivering, the Three Lions will fancy their chances against any opposition.

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