England will welcome Germany to Wembley for their Euro 2020 round of 16 tie on Tuesday following a remarkable evening of action that saw all four Group F sides paired with Gareth Southgate’s team at various points.
Jogi Low’s team did it the hard way in Munich but scraped through thanks to an 86th-minute goal from substitute Leon Goretzka.
The 2014 World Cup winners struggled to break down an impressive Hungary defence until Chelsea star Kai Havertz cancelled out Adam Szalai’s first half header before being immediately subbed off by head coach Low.
Within a minute the unfancied Hungarians retook the lead through Andras Schafer as Low’s 15-year tenure looked to be coming to a deflating conclusion.
But then, with six minutes remaining, Goretzka fired home with the aid of a minor deflection to send Hungary out, France advancing as group winners and Portugal as one of the best third-placed teams.
Didier Deschamps’ side drew 2-2 with the reigning champions in Budapest with three of the four goals coming from the penalty spot. Cristiano Ronaldo had put Portugal in front after 31 minutes before Karim Benzema struck twice. The Real Madrid striker scored with 46:44 on the clock in both halves, except Ronaldo fired home again from 12 yards.
History may suggest otherwise but on the evidence of the past 10 days Southgate and his charges should not fear Germany, despite their freewheeling win against Portugal on Saturday. Low’s side appear shaky in defence and lacked cohesion going forward in defeat to France and tonight.
Next Tuesday’s game will kick off at 5pm.