With England set to take on arch-enemy Germany in a ‘friendly’ international at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night, we take a look back at 10 classic encounters between the two European giants from the post-war years.
1966: England 4-2 West Germany
The World Cup final at Wembley saw Alf Ramsey’s men get their hands on the Jules Rimet trophy for the very first, and so far only, time in the country’s history after a tense extra-time victory over their old foes, secured thanks to a hat-trick from stand-in striker Geoff Hurst, as well as a little help also from a Russian linesman.
1970: England 2-3 West Germany
The holders appeared to be cruising towards a semi-final showdown with Italy at the 1970 World Cup, leading 2-0 with just 20 minutes to go in their last-eight clash.
However, Three Lions manager Sir Alf Ramsey then decided to substitute key midfield player Bobby Charlton in order to rest the veteran Manchester United star for the next match against the Azzurri, and back came the Germans, who took the tie into extra time, before Gerd Muller poached a winner from close range in Leon, Mexico, past stand-in keeper Peter ‘The Cat’ Bonetti.