In a crucial Round of 16 match, England and Germany are facing each other on 27 June at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. It is perhaps the second high-profile match of the tournament after Friday’s clash between Brazil and Portugal.
Time
The match begins at 14:00 GMT and 16:00 local time. According to Germany time, the match starts at 16:00. As per British Summer Time (BST), the match kicks off at 15:00. In the US, the match starts at 10:00 (New York time) and at 07:00 (California time).
Live Score
To get the live score of the match, visit the following link:
http://live.skysports.com/ScoreCentre/live.html
England reached the last 16 as the runner up of Group C. Following two frustrating draws with USA and Algeria, England ensured their second round progress with a victory over Slovenia.The most important thing is that England got their rhythm back with this 1-0 victory.
Germany, on the other hand, got off to a flying start in the tournament as they defeated Australia 4-0 in their opening match. However, if Germany had earned any confidence through their win in the opening game, it was evaporated when they were defeated 1-0 by minnows Serbia in the second match. However, Germany defeated Ghana 1-0 in their final group match and qualified for the second round as the Group D champion.
Injury and Suspension News
England center back Ledley King, who suffered a groin injury during England’s tournament opener, may return in action with the Germany encounter and partner John Terry at the center of the defense.
Wayne Rooney seems to have recovered from the minor knock suffered to his ankle during the 1-0 victory over Slovenia. Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is all set to return after missing the Slovenia match on suspension. So, if King can not make a full recovery from his injury, Carragher would pair up with Terry at the center of the back line.
Germany is going to miss the service of striker Cacau as he picked up a stomach muscle problem during training. Defender Jerome Boateng is also doubtful for the match with calf injury.
The good news is that key midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger returned to full training on Saturday after recovering from his thigh injury sustained during Germany’s recent victory over Ghana. So, it seems the he would be able to start against England. Moreover, prolific goal scorer Miroslav Klose would return for the England showdown after missing the Ghana match on suspension.
Tactics (Formation)
Germany would most probably stick to their 4-2-3-1 formation with Klose playing as the lone striker up front. Muller and Podolski would occupy the right and left wings respectively, while Mesut Ozil would be deployed as the deep lying playmaker playing just behind Klose. Schweinsteiger and Khedira would play at the center of the midfield.
Germany defense would feature Friedrich and Mertesacker at the center of the defense with captain Lahm and Badstuber occupying the right and left back positions respectively. Manuel Neuer will be at goal as usual.
England would most probably stick to the winning eleven, unless coach Fabio Capello brings any change in their 4-4-2 formation. At the center of the defense, John Terry would partner either King or Carragher, while Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson would continue as the full backs.
In the midfield, Barry would play the holding role. Milner is most likely to start on the left wing following his impressive performance against Slovenia. Unless Capello switches to 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 formation, there is little chance Joe Cole would be in the starting eleven. While Lampard will operate through the middle, Gerrard will be deployed on the right wing ahead of Lennon. Rooney and Defoe would continue in the up front.
Overall, it seems to be a highly entertaining affair. With both sides determined to give their best, it is less likely football fans would experience a one-sided match.
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