Germany v England: Top five encounters

The Three Lions have had plenty of memorable encounters with the Germans over the years, with some ending in super triumphs and others in painful defeats.

Here are five of the classic showdowns:

England 4 West Germany 2 (after extra-time) - World Cup final, July 30, 1966

England secured what remains the only major trophy in their history via a heroic effort and a dash of controversy at Wembley Stadium. The Germans went ahead early on through Helmut Haller, but Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters replied for the hosts before Wolfgang Weber’s 89th-minute leveller forced extra-time. England subsequently tasted glory after Hurst completed his hat-trick with two more strikes - the first one of the most contentious goal-line controversies of all time.

West Germany 3 England 2 (after extra-time) - World Cup quarter-final, June 14, 1970

The Germans gained World Cup revenge four years later in Mexico with a dramatic comeback victory. Goals from Alan Mullery and Peters had England 2-0 up just after half-time, but Franz Beckenbauer reduced the deficit, Uwe Seeler equalised in the final 10 minutes of normal time and Gerd Muller notched the winner in extra-time.

West Germany 1 England 1 (after extra-time, West Germany won 4-3 on penalties) - World Cup semi-final, July 4, 1990

In another World Cup epic, it was England this time who forced an additional 30 minutes as Gary Lineker cancelled out Andreas Brehme’s opener in Turin. Extra-time saw their star man Paul Gascoigne famously left distraught having collected a booking that denied him the chance to appear in the final - and the rest of the team’s hopes then also came to an end in the penalty shoot-out as Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle failed to convert from 12 yards.

Germany 1 England 1 (after extra-time, Germany won 6-5 on penalties) - European Championship semi-final, June 26, 1996

Although this occasion featured England as hosts at a major tournament once again, the experience proved more 1990 than 1966 as they endured further penalties-based semi-final misery. They had the lead early on at Wembley through Alan Shearer, but Stefan Kuntz swiftly equalised and when spot-kicks were later required, it was Gareth Southgate’s turn to feel the anguish Pearce and Waddle had six years earlier. His sudden-death miss was punished by Andreas Moller, and England were out.

Germany 1 England 5 - World Cup qualifier, September 1, 2001

It may not have been at a tournament finals, but England took great satisfaction from this shock thrashing inflicted on the Germans in Munich. The visitors bounced back emphatically after falling behind in the first few minutes to a Carsten Jancker goal, with Michael Owen netting a hat-trick and Steven Gerrard and Emile Heskey also getting on the scoresheet.