The England and Germany national football share a major rivalry, with matches between the two nations often attracting much media attention, public interest and comment in both countries. Although the footballing rivalry began in earnest after the 1966 World Cup, it was fed by non-footballing events that had taken place between the two countries in previous decades, particularly memories of the Second World War. This has given the rivalry a highly competitive and sometimes unpleasant edge, particularly in English media coverage, although players on both sides have often attempted to downplay such negative associations. Germany is regarded in England as one of the major rivals of the national football team, along with such nations as Scotland and Argentina.
Early encounters
First game, the late 1930s Nazi salute match, etc.
1966 World Cup
Drama of the match, did it cross the line, written into English psyche, etc.
1970 World Cup
Well we all know what happened there...
1990 World Cup
"Lineker probably could!", Pearce, Waddle, Gazza's tears, you know the drill.
1996 European Championship
That rather distasteful Daily Mirror business.
2000 European Championship
Two poor teams slog it out to a scrappy 1-0. England duly goes barmy, then promptly gets knocked out in the next game.
2002 World Cup qualifying
Last ever game at Wembley and we lose 1-0, then *that* match...
Club level
Man United in 1999 and all that.