England vs Germany in the World Cup group stage - preview and prediction

[BankHolidayBlues87]

England face Germany in Group E on Sunday June 22. Both teams are expected to beat Slovakia and Croatia respectively in their openers, meaning this match could define who tops the group and avoids a potentially tougher route through the knockout stages. England have not beaten Germany in a competitive match outside a penalty shootout since 1966. Germany under Nagelsmann are a more dynamic, pressing side than the teams England have historically found easier to face.

Key battles: Bellingham vs the German midfield, Kane vs the centre-back pairing, the full-back contest on both sides. The match is being played in Philadelphia which should be a massive occasion. Both sets of fans will travel in huge numbers given the USA location

[Merchant89]

The psychological weight of this fixture genuinely matters. There is something that happens to England players when they face Germany in a major tournament that does not happen against other opponents. Tuchel being German makes this even more interesting from a psychological standpoint

[MondayMoan51]

Germany's pressing system is the tactical problem England have to solve. They do not give you time on the ball and they do not give you space in behind. England will need to be more direct and clinical than they have been in recent tournaments

[Canopy]

Kane vs the German centre-backs is the match within the match. His movement and ability to hold up play with his back to goal could be the key to unlocking space for Bellingham and Saka to run into

[BiscuitTin]

Wirtz and Musiala in the same Germany midfield is a genuine nightmare to defend against. Their movement, passing and ability to find space between the lines is elite. Declan Rice's reading of the game will be more important than his passing in this match

[Kev5]

If both teams win their first games comfortably, this is effectively a group final. Neither team will want to finish second if the other half of the draw is easier. Expect both managers to be conservative and pragmatic. It could be a 1-0 either way type game

[WaveFunction30]

My prediction is 2-1 Germany. England go ahead, Germany equalise from a set piece, Musiala wins it with something individual in the second half. England still qualify second and potentially have an easier route to the semi-finals as a result