England fans fear more penalty shoot-out misery if they face Germany

‘Please not penalties!’ England fans fear more nail-biting shoot-out misery as Three Lions face France, Portugal or old rivals Germany in next stage of Euro 2020

• England topped the group after defeating Czech Republic at Wembley yesterday
• They will now face one of Germany, France, Portugal or Hungary on Tuesday 
• Prospect of match against Germany has triggered memories of famous penalty defeats against the Germans in 1990 and 1996 
• Find out the latest Euro 2020 news including fixtures, live action and results here

Worried England fans fear more penalty shootout heartbreak with the Three Lions set to face France, Portugal or old enemies Germany in the next stage of Euro 2020.  

England beat Czech Republic 1-0 yesterday to advance as group winners and set up a clash against the second placed side in group F at Wembley on Tuesday.

That group concludes this evening with France playing Portugal and Germany facing Hungary.

At the moment, Germany is in second place in their group, setting up a potentially momentous Round of 16 contest with England at Wembley on Tuesday. 

The match would be a repeat of the infamous 1996 Euros semi-final, also at Wembley, which saw England crash out against their rivals after Gareth Southgate missed the deciding penalty in a dramatic shoot-out. 

The Germans also beat England in a shoot-out in the 1990 World Cup semi-finals held in Italy, leading to fears from fans that another defeat on penalties is ‘inevitable’.

England celebrate after Raheem Sterling scores against Czech Republic yesterday. The victory saw the team top their group

England could face Germany in the next round, a repeat of the infamous 1996 Euros semi-final, also at Wembley, which saw England crash out against their rivals after Gareth Southgate missed the deciding penalty in a dramatic shoot-out

The Germans also beat England in a shoot-out in the 1990 World Cup semi-finals held in Italy

One wrote: ‘If we get Germany next Tuesday, you just know it’s going to end in penalties. Deja Vu.’

Another joked: ‘ It’s been ages since we lost a penalty shootout to #Germany at #Wembley in a major tournament! Bring it on I say.’

While a third simply pleaded: ‘So England will be playing the 2nd placed team from group f. That’s a tough draw but we can do it

‘Please not penalties against the Germans.’

The other opponents would also present a tough challenge to Gareth Southgate’s men, with France the current world champions and favourites for the tournament and Portugal the reigning European champions.

Hungary, the minnows of group F, are expected to miss out, though they produced a shock when they drew against France in their last match.  

England also have a poor penalty record against Portugal, losing at Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006 in shoot-outs against the Portuguese.   

However, there was also optimism, with some fans proclaiming that football is ‘coming home’ after yesterday’s victory over the Czech Republic saw England top their group. 

Gareth Southgate’s side secured top-spot in Group D after Raheem Sterling’s 12th-minute header proved to be enough.

Looking ahead, one fan wrote: ‘All the negativity on here about England, get on board. Get behind the lads. It’s coming home. We have not hit our peak yet, the best is yet to come so get on the rollercoaster.’

Another said: ‘If England can get through the Ro16, we’re making it to the final. It’s coming home!’

While a third added: ‘ Loads of positives to take from tonight, group winners, no goals conceded. COME ON ENGLAND. ITS COMING HOME!’

England will play their Round of 16 match at Wembley in front of 40,000 fans. 

However, they will be without Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell, who are in self-isolation.

The Chelsea pair were forced to miss Tuesday’s 1-0 win over the Czech Republic and are unlikely to be unavailable for the next week’s round of 16 clash as they have been forced to isolate after spending time with their club mate Billy Gilmour after the 1-0 win over Scotland.

Gareth Southgate, England’s head coach, is furious about the issue, having found out late that he would not be able to use Mount or Chilwell, and there is an exasperation within the camp that England are without key players who have continually tested negative.

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