Germany vs. England – History Won't Stop England Advancing

Ignore the past record between these two sides says Al Dannity, England and Germany enter this game free from the ghosts of the past.

No losing mentality
Aside from one memorable victory in 1966, England’s record against Germany in major tournaments is miserable. The Three Lions lost 3-2 to what was then West Germany in the 1970 quarter final and on penalties in the 1990 semi final. Things didn’t get better after German reunification, as England lost to their bitter rivals on penalties again in the 1996 European Championships semi-final. These signature wins will have the media screaming about the mental edge of the Germans but pay no notice to them. None of the players from those games are still around and it’s been 9 years since these two sides met in a competitive fixture. England’s Steven Gerrard and Emile Heskey remember that game well, as they both scored in a 5-1 win for England in Germany. There is no hoodoo here; this game will come down to the 22 men on the pitch on Sunday.

Injuries matter
From the start of Sports Interaction’s coverage we’ve told you to keep an eye out for injuries when making World Cup betting calls. This game is no exception and Germany looks to have suffered a big one. Bastian Schweinsteiger, the engine of their midfield and a crucial piece of Germany’s defensive plan, looks almost certain to miss the game. Even if he is able to play it’s unlikely Schweinsteiger will be fit enough to command the middle of the park.

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By contrast England looks like it will have a full roster on hand. The only injury concern was Wayne Rooney but the striker looks likely to be near full fitness by kickoff on Sunday. Despite failing to score so far, the striker is vital to England’s hopes of making the quarter finals.

Capello’s mental advantage will tell
England manager Fabio Capello is a proud man. He’s the type of successful leader who will know what to say when his back is up against a wall. This England team has received no shortage of criticism back home and there have been calls for Capello’s head. He’s even had to hold off a mini-revolt by former captain John Terry. Surprisingly Germany did the one thing you’re not supposed to do in this situation.

You don’t taunt a wounded animal, which is exactly what former Germany manager Franz Beckenbauer did this week. Capello is one of the most successful managers in the world because he knows how to make his players perform in the clutch. Now is the time for him to channel the great leaders of England’s past. He will rally the troops, Wayne Rooney will score at +175 with Sports Interaction and England will win this game.