Looking for Soccer News?

Among the Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates players, Amakhosi shot-stopper Itumeleng Khune is far and away the most popular player with the fans.

This is based on the voting for next season's Carling Black Label Cup.

The match us especially popular with the supporters as they get to choose the starting line-up on the day, and also to decide on substitutions, via a voting system. One supporter from either side is also selected to sit on the bench for the game and to be in charge of proceedings.

And after a couple of weeks of voting, Khune has emerged as the most popular player for either team - as of Thursday 10.15 am he was sitting on 104 451 votes.

This is despite the fact that Khune has not had the greatest of seasons and has at times lost his place in the team, first to Daniel Akpeyi and later to Bruce Bvuma.

And it was Bvuma who was the hero last weekend when he made some brilliant saves in Amakhosi’s 1-0 win over Wydad Casablanca in a first-leg semi-final encounter.

The 29-year-old Nurkovic, who was on target against Wydad, has at the same stage amassed an impressive 97 767 votes.

The Serbian is yet to commit his future to Amakhosi and there was talk late last year that he was wanted by Pitso Mosimane at Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

The next most popular player among the fans (from both Chiefs and Pirates) is Khama Billiat - the Zimbabwean forward and Caf Champions League winner from his time with Mamelodi Sundowns - who currently has 60 944 votes.

Coming in fourth, and the most popular Bucs player at present, is Malawian marksman Gabadinho Mhango. The former Bidvest Wits, Golden Arrows and Bloemfontein Celtic striker currently has 58 082 votes to his name.

Interestingly - considering he missed most of last season through injury, is that Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa comes in at number five with 49 795 votes.

The remainder of the top (combined for both clubs) 10 are:

6. Richard Ofori: 50 670

7. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo: 44 044

8. Dumisani Zuma: 41 118

9. Lebogang Manyama: 40 294

10. Happy Jele: 39 366

Musona, 31, has been linked with a return to the PSL, but Makaab has provided a reality check, saying it is highly unlikely for the Zimbabwean to make such a move.

As his season-long loan ends with KAS Eupen, Musona is expected to return to Anderlecht after the former failed to make the move permanent due to financial hitches.

"I think it will be highly unlikely," Makaab told KickOff.com with regard to Pirates, Chiefs and Sundowns' rumoured interest.

Although reports had indicated Musona was among 14 players who were asked not to return to the Belgian club, Makaab said the star would return and complete his contract, but he left his fate in the hands of Anderlecht.

"He's going back to Anderlecht, he's being asked to join the first week of July for training, he has a one year contract left with them," Makaab added.

"I'm not sure if he will be part of the squad, we'll have to see how things unfold. The intention is to wait and see what Anderlecht want to do.

"There might be interest in South Africa, in the Middle East, could be interest in China and certain parts of Europe. But the truth is we cannot aggressively market Knowledge until we know exactly what Anderlecht wants to do."

The Zimbabwean star celebrated his 31st birthday three days ago, almost over 10 years since he left Kaizer Chiefs when he signed a five-year deal with TSG Hoffenheim of the Bundesliga. At Amakhosi, Musona made himself a name after scoring 19 goals in 49 appearances between 2009 and 2011.

Kaizer Chiefs, who are still competing in the Caf Champions League, are expected to bolster their squad, especially after completing the Fifa transfer sanction.

The star has not stamped his authority at Anderlecht since he joined in 2018 as he has been loaned out to two clubs so far. In 2019, he was moved to Lokeren where he scored once in six games before he joined KAS Eupen where, in 39 games, he found the back of the net on nine occasions.

Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, who is now in charge of the Spain national side, has hailed Lionel Messi as "a genius just like Beethoven or Dali".

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner is celebrating his 34th birthday on June 24, with those at Camp Nou hoping that they will soon be given cause for celebration as he agrees a new contract.

The paperwork is yet to be signed, but there is no doubting the value of the Argentine as he shows no sign of slowing down in the most remarkable of sporting careers.

What has been said?

Enrique spent three years coaching Messi between 2014 and 2017, tasting La Liga and Champions League glory along the way, and told TV3: "It’s impossible to carry the ball so close at that speed. 

"Losing for Messi is very hard for him. You could see it the next day, after the match. In football, Leo Messi is a genius, clearly, just like Beethoven or Dali."

Enrique added on a player who stepped out of the famed La Masia system to take his first steps to greatness in 2004: "Messi is a competitive machine. If at the beginning he had come up against a veteran who wasn’t Ronaldinho, who had been more selfish or more of an a*shole, he would have had more problems."

Will Messi by staying at Barca?

His current deal is due to expire at the end of June, with no fresh terms in place as yet.

Goal has learned that Messi and Barca are yet to reach an agreement over an extended stay despite the clock ticking on talks. Discussions are ongoing, with the hope being that a compromise can be reached, but uncertainty continues to reign.

Messi is currently away on international duty at the 2021 Copa America, where he stands to become Argentina's most-capped player, with his absence in Catalunya further complicating matters.

He has, however, been in no rush to make a decision on his future and those at Barca remain optimistic that the services of a man who has netted 672 goals for the club can be retained.

Further reading

England should face Germany with three centre-backs to counter the threat of Germany in their Euro 2020 round-of-16 clash, according to Gary Neville, who left has left the likes of Jack Grealish and Mason Mount out of his suggested XI.

Following a dramatic conclusion to the group stages, the first knockout fixtures of the European Championship have been confirmed - and perhaps the tie of the round sees two historic international rivals face off at Wembley.

England will play Germany at their home ground on Tuesday, June 29, and debate will rage right up until kick-off as to how Gareth Southgate's Three Lions should line up for such a crucial game.

Who would Neville pick?

Neville, no stranger to England v Germany clashes at the European Championship having faced them in both 1996 and 2000, has given his view, saying England should swap the 4-3-3 deployed in the group stage for a 5-2-3 formation.

On Twitter, Neville - who also served as part of Roy Hodgson's coaching staff at the 2012 and 2016 Euros - said Kyle Walker, John Stones and Harry Maguire should play as a back three in front of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

From England's plethora of full-back options, he would choose Chelsea defender Reece James on the right and Luke Shaw of Manchester United on the left. With Mason Mount's period of self-isolation ending just a day before the clash with Germany, Neville would select a midfield duo of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips.

Up front, Neville has gone with Bukayo Saka, who impressed in the final group game win over Czech Republic, alongside regular starters Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane.

Explaining his reasoning for the XI, Neville wrote: "Wing-backs to match up or engage Germany’s. Saka and Sterling left higher in channels v Germany's wide centre-backs. Rice and Philips onto [Toni] Kroos and [Ilkay] Gundogan."

In response to Neville's team, former England international Jack Wilshere commented: "No Grealish or Foden. England's most talented/creative... At least one has to play! Probably Grealish to help us retain ball and carry it up the pitch. Come on Gaz."

Who will Southgate pick?

England played with a back three in reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup although Southgate now appears to prefer a back four, and his side topped Group D using their 4-3-3 system, claiming seven points and without conceding a goal.

However, a Germany side who showed their attacking capabilities in getting out of a tough group, beating reigning champions Portugal 4-2 along the way, will provide the sternest test of the tournament so far for England.

Joachim Low's side have, however, shown their defensive frailties, not least against Hungary on Tuesday night. Needing just a point to progress, they fell behind twice in Munich against the unfancied Magyars, eventually claiming a 2-2 draw thanks to Leon Goretzka's late equaliser.

Further Reading

Martin Odegaard has confirmed that his immediate future lies with Real Madrid, with Arsenal seeing any hope of a permanent deal brought to a close.

The Norway international midfielder spent the second half of the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Emirates Stadium after finding regular game time hard to come by with his parent club.

There has, however, been a managerial change at Santiago Bernabeu, as Carlo Ancelotti replaces Zinedine Zidane, and the 22-year-old playmaker is ready to wipe the slate clean in Spain.

What has been said?

Odegaard told TV2: "Real Madrid have been clear that they would like me back. So then it will be time to go there when the training starts up again.

"Of course it has always been a dream to play there.

"I have been in the club for over six years now, and that has always been the goal. I always want to play, I have said that all the time. Playing hard is important."

Quizzed on whether he has spoken with Ancelotti, Odegaard added: "No, not with him personally, but I have spoken a lot with the club and had a close contact. So I feel they have a good overview."

The bigger picture

Odegaard linked up with Arsenal during the winter transfer window of 2021. He made 20 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, registering two goals and as many assists.

A door was initially left open for the Premier League heavyweights to put a long-term agreement in place, with Odegaard facing an uncertain future in Madrid.

Mikel Arteta has, however, been forced to turn his attention elsewhere in pursuit of added creativity.

Various options continue to be mooted for the Gunners, with James Maddison, Nabil Fekir, Houssem Aouar and Philippe Coutinho all linked.

Further reading

Ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict 'Tso' Vilakazi says Steve Komphela's failure to win a trophy at Kaizer Chiefs should not detract from his credentials with regards to taking over at Bucs.

Zinnbauer did manage to end Pirates' six-year wait for a trophy when he guided them to victory in the MTN8 final in December last year.

But the German has been criticised for selection calls, as well as what supporters perceive to be an unattractive brand of football.

Komphela, who just completed his first season at Mamelodi Sundowns, where as an assistant coach he helped the Pretoria team win the league, has been heavily linked to the Buccaneers hot-seat over the past week.

And he's received the strong backing of a legendary former Sea Robbers star, Vilakazi, who does not think that Komphela's three trophy-less years at Kaizer Chiefs should be an issue.

“It looks like Steve Komphela will be the leader of the ship at Pirates," the former Bafana Bafana midfielder stated in his column for iDiski Times.

"Obviously, Steve is contracted to Mamelodi Sundowns therefore this will be a tough negotiation by the leadership of both clubs.

“I would be very happy to see Steve Komphela joining Orlando Pirates. Steve did a great job at Sundowns winning the league as part of the technical team."

Vilakazi, who also had a stint as a player at Sundowns, feels that Komphela's lack of silverware success as a coach is not a true reflection of his abilities.

“I know that a lot of people will talk about his stay at Kaizer Chiefs as being unsuccessful, but I think he deserves another shot to coach a big club," he said.

"He has earned the right to coach huge clubs because he always proves himself whenever he coaches a smaller club.

“The biggest criticism about him is that he has not won a trophy as a head coach but I think it's only a matter of luck. I know coach Steve - and I think he is a good coach.”

Kakamega Homeboyz have moved their Football Kenya Federation Premier League home matches to Nakuru's Afraha Stadium after their region was placed under strict coronavirus restrictions.

Kakamega is among the 13 counties that were placed under movement restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19 by the government, forcing some clubs to find alternative home venues in order to continue with the Premier League assignments. Homeboyz will face title-chasing KCB in Nakuru on June 26th after the game was initially postponed due to the restrictions that were put in place this month.
 
The KCB game is a chance for Kakamega Homeboyz to bounce back from a recent 1-0 defeat to Nairobi City Stars. David Okoth, the FKF Premier League player of the month of May, is confident they can get things right against the second-placed Bankers on Saturday.
 
"We came up short against City Stars but we can rectify a few things on Saturday against KCB. The player of the month award motivates me, makes you feel that someone is watching and I want to maintain my form," Okoth, who was included in the Kenya U23 squad preparing for this year's edition and has scored five goals so far, told the FKF Premier League portal.

KCB's Derrick Otanga affirmed their eyes are strictly on the big prize, even though they dropped to second place after Tusker defeated Western Stima and went on top.

"The team comes first. I want to score as many goals as I can and, because that is helping the team, I am happy," the former Sony Sugar star said.

"We are really focused on the title and the belief in the team is incredible. We know our strengths and every time we go out there, all we want is to win."

As Tusker reclaimed the top spot, Gor Mahia, who are unbeaten in the last eight games, were unable to grab three points against Wazito on Wednesday after a 0-0 draw at Utalii Ground.

AFC Leopards were stunned by Mathare United after a 1-0 loss at Ruaraka and the defeat could end up damaging their chances of winning the title at the end of a campaign they have looked more solid than ever before. The Slum Boys' second win, on the other hand, comes at a good time for Mathare United, who are facing relegation.

Cristiano Ronaldo did the star turn for Portugal in their final Euro 2020 Group F game against France and became the all time highest goalscorer of all time - level with Iran's Ali Daei at 109.

The Portugal star fired home two goals from the spot in a heavyweight Euro 2020 clash. That took him up to 109 goals in 178 matches for the national team, putting him at the top of the list of goalscorers on the international stage.

He is currently tied with Iran legend Ali Daei, who scored 109 times in 149 matches between 1993 and 2006.

Now, let's breakdown his 109 goals.

Ronaldo has scored against 43 countries in his career. The two countries against whom Ronaldo has scored the most goals against are Lithuania and Sweden. The 26-year-old has notched seven goals against both countries during his illutrious career. 

The next country on this list is Andorra, against whom Ronaldo has scored six goals. Here is a detailed breakdown of Ronaldo's goals.

Brazil registered a 2-1 win over Colombia in a Group A Copa America fixture at the Estadio Nilton Santos to maintain their perfect start in the competition.

However, they had to effect a comeback after going a goal down in the match. This was the first time when Brazil conceded a goal in over 180 minutes of football in the current edition of Copa America. And it took an incredible effort from Colombia to leave the Brazilians stunned in front of their home fans.

Juan Cuadrado whipped in a cross from the right towards the far post as he aimed for Wilmar Barrios. However, it was Luis Diaz who met it and his scintillating overhead kick gave goalkeeper Weverton no chance whatsoever.

Diaz has been in sublime form this month, scoring two goals. His first one came against Peru in a 2022 World Cup qualifier earlier this month.

Colombia have been left furious by the end of their 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the Copa America group stage on Wednesday, as Roberto Firmino's 78th-minute equaliser came following a build-up touch of the ball from referee Nestor Pitana, and Casemiro's winner came deep into stoppage time.

Several defenders stopped when Pitana accidentally intervened in the Selecao move, but Tite's men kept going and Firmino benefited with an easy header. Despite fierce objections from Colombia, the goal was upheld. Then, 10 minutes into stoppage time, Casemiro slammed a near-post corner kick from Neymar into the net to seal the dramatic result and send Colombia away empty handed.

Afterwards, Colombia manager Reinaldo Rueda decried the referee's "distraction" of his players in the moments before Firmino's levelled the score.

What has been said?

"The two goals for Brazil are different situations," Rueda told reporters. "In the first, I think that the referee's situation caused distraction in the players.

"Brazil had to go out to find the game, they had a good circulation of the ball and the players who entered had an influence and that is why perhaps [the second half was different].

"But we were incisive and in the end it is a pity that the result could not be achieved."

Reactions to Brazil vs Colombia ending

What is the official rule for referee interference scenarios?

According to CONMEBOL rules, the ball should be out of play when:

In all the above cases, the game should be restarted with a dropped ball.

Further reading

NFF technical director Austin Eguavoen has reacted to criticism surrounding his selection of Nigeria Professional Football League players for next month’s international friendly match against Mexico.

The home-based players will battle at the reigning Concacaf Gold Cup champions at the Los Angeles Coliseum on July 4, in the absence of Gernot Rohr’s men who will be at their European clubs for pre-season trainings.

On Sunday, 25 NPFL players were summoned to camp in Abuja with two players expected to be dropped before the final 22-man squad travel to the United States.

The initial squad is dominated by Enyimba and Rangers who have four players each while players from Heartland, Akwa United, Plateau United, Kano Pillars, Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Kwara United and Rivers United are also included.

When asked about the selection of the initial 25-man squad, Eguavoen told the Super Eagles media; “It was a bit difficult, information came a bit late even at that it’s our country. I’ve been to few league games, the NPFL, NNL and even the NNLO, we penciled down whole lot of players and I also had to rely on information from coaches that I know in the league.

“It wasn’t that easy because I have seen a lot of criticism in the pages of newspapers, electronic media as well but it’s all okay. The only thing is that people have to do their research first before they speak. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, it’s not a problem at all.”

For the Mexico match, the former Super Eagles coach will be assisted by former Nigeria U20 coach Paul Aigbogun in the dugout.

Before picking the 25 players, Eguavoen disclosed that he sought the advice of NPFL coaches including Plateau United’s Abdul Maikaba, Rivers United’s Stanley Eguma.

“Like I said before, coach Paul saw some games on the continent and the league as well and I relied also a lot on my colleagues that are also in the league,” he continued.

“When you give me a player from Enyimba, I ask Stanley Eguma, Ladan Bosso, Salisu and Maikaba. And if three out of the four speak well of a player it is okay. When you give me a player from Plateau I deviate from Maikaba and ask other coaches and they say the right thing about the player I just felt that’s the right way to go about it.”

”Everybody can’t be invited and my apologies for that. This is the first game, other games will come I might not be the next coach. If we have left some players out, they shouldn’t feel so bad. And before people do or say something they should do their research.

“We submitted 35 names but we needed to cut it down because of the process of getting visa. American embassy wanted certain number of players to be submitted at a certain date. So it was a bit difficult, however, there are still more games to come and everybody will have their opportunity.”

Tottenham have been rebuffed in their attempts to persuade Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui to north London, per the club's president Jose Castro, leaving the former's search for a new manager in further limbo.

The Premier Legaue outfit's attempts to procure a successor to Jose Mourinho has proven a particularly difficult endeavour so far, over two months on from the Portuguese's dismissal from his duties.

Having approached and discarded numerous contenders, Lopetegui, who guided Sevilla to a fourth-place finish and Champions League football last term, looks to have been their latest target - but Castro insists his coach is not going anywhere despite the offer.

What has been said?

"Julen rang me and told me," the president told Spanish radio station Cadena SER.

"Some coaches are more driven by economic factors but Julen is very clear that he is happy here and he even said it would be very difficult to find a better place to work than here.

"We believed and believe in him, giving him a two-year contract extension, and I'm sure he will bring much more to the club."

Lopetegui continues to rehabilitate reputation

The former Spain boss saw his reputation take something of a hit when he accepted the vacant hotseat at Real Madrid before the Russia 2018 World Cup, earning an immediate dismissal from La Roja.

An unsuccessful stay at Los Blancos ended after just four months, but since then, he has rebuilt his record as a shrewd tactical manager, guiding Sevilla to Europa League success and consecutive Champions League campaigns.

A move to Tottenham would likely yield greater financial clout in terms of matching potential ambition, but Lopetegui's choice to stick firmly with Sevilla will undoubtedly only further endear him to the club's supporters and squad.

Tottenham's fruitless hunt continues

With Ryan Mason having taken Spurs to the end of last campaign - overseeing a Carabao Cup final defeat and Europa Conference League qualification - the club has since been embroiled in finding a successor to the Mourinho project.

Among the names contacted incuding Antonio Conte, recently departed from Serie A champions Inter, as well as former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca and onetime Fiorentina man Gennaro Gattuso.

A remarkable move for former boss Mauricio Pochettino, who has endured a difficult introduction to life at Paris Saint-Germain, was also mooted, though the Ligue 1 club blocked their approach.

With the new Premier League season fast approaching, the heat is on - though Tottenham have at the very least brought in a new director of football in the shape of Fabio Paratici.

Further reading

Germany teenager Jamal Musiala is looking forward to his country's Euro 2020 last-16 match against England, a nation he previously represented on the youth level..

At 18 years and 117 days, Musiala became the youngest player to ever make an appearance for Germany at a major tournament when he came on as a second-half sub against Hungary on Wednesday.

Germany were on their way to elimination as they trailed by a goal late in their Group F finale, but Leon Goretzka's 84th-minute equaliser earned a 2-2 draw and a date against England at Wembley on Tuesday.

What was said?

"I just went in with full confidence and tried to do something," Musiala said. "I'm happy to help and proud to play for this team. I was very happy when Leon scored the goal."

On playing against England, he added: "I've already talked to Jude [Bellingham, England midfielder] a bit. At Wembley against England - that will be cool.

"Great match, great atmosphere. We're looking forward to playing this match."

Musiala's second home

Tuesday's match will be a homecoming for Musiala, who was born in Stuttgart, Germany but moved to England at age seven.

In July 2019 at the age of 16, Musiala returned to the country of his birth when he left Chelsea to join Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

Musiala represented both Germany and England at the youth level but earlier this year he opted to play at the senior level for Germany instead of the Three Lions.

The teenager scored seven goals for Bayern in 2020-21 as he helped the club to a ninth straight Bundesliga title. 

Further reading

RB Salzburg new coach Matthias Jaissle said there is a strong possibility that Patson Daka will leave the club this summer amid reported transfer links to the Premier League.

According to recent reports, the 2017 Caf Youth Player of the Year is a transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and Liverpool but the Foxes are said to be leading the race for his signing.

Last season, Daka enjoyed his best scoring form in the league with 27 goals in 28 matches as Salzburg claimed their fifth consecutive Bundesliga title.

While speculations continue to grow about the 22-year-old’s future at the Red Bull Arena, Jaissle disclosed that there is a high chance Daka ends his four-and-a-half-year stay at the club this transfer window.  

"The transfer has not been finalised (sic) yet, but it strongly looks like [Patson] Daka will leave us,” the German coach said, per Leicester Mercury.

Daka has been at Salzburg since he left Zambian club Kafue Celtic in January 2017.  He initially joined the Bulls' youth team Liefering on an initial loan.

He made an instant impact in the second-half of the 2016-17 season, scoring two goals in nine games for Liefering and he was given a permanent deal to remain with the Austrian giants.

His stay at the Red Bull Arena has been a successful adventure with four Bundesliga titles, three Austrian Cups amongst other individual laurels.

Daka has three years left on his contract with the Bulls, however, he has not hidden his admiration for Liverpool and La Liga giants Barcelona.

"I've been a Liverpool fan and also a Barcelona fan in Spain,” Daka was quoted by BBC Sport.

Salzburg commenced their training for the 2021-22 season on Tuesday, with exactly a month to go before their opening Bundesliga fixture against Sturm Graz.

Daka was not present for the first day of training but his compatriot Enock Mwepu and Cameroon defender Jerome Onguene reported for duty.

Karim Benzema has admitted he was starting to feel the pressure of a goal drought before his double for France against Portugal in a 2-2 Euro 2020 group stage draw on Wednesday.

The striker had not scored or assisted in his first four matches back with Les Bleus since returning from exile, but he struck from the spot just before half-time against Portugal and then again from open play just after the break to end his dry spell. His double brought "much joy and pride" as he met the high expectations of his country.

France will play Switzerland in the last 16 after finishing first in Group F.

What has been said?

"How did I feel after my goal? "[I felt] much joy and pride after scoring," Benzema said on beIN Sports. "Everyone was waiting for it. There was that pressure on me, but I'm a football player, a professional and I feed off of that. 

"It's nice to score, and in addition we are qualified. I wanted to score in this team because I know that goals are very important in this competition."

He added to TF1: "I never doubted myself, but I knew there were expectations of me from the country. I managed to score and I’m going to savour it with everybody."

Benzema's scoreless streak

Largely because of his time pushed out of the national team, Benzema had gone five years and 258 days between goals for Les Bleus, the longest gap between two goals since manager Didier Deschamps (seven years).

At 33 years old, Benzema also became the oldest player ever to score more than once in a major tournament match for France, overtaking Zinedine Zidane for that distinction.

Deschamps looks ahead

"We finish first, we know what awaits us now," Deschamps told TF1. "And a new competition begins.

"We will now recover well and we will prepare [for Switzerland] as best as possible."

On Benzema, the manager said: "It is a pleasure for Karim. He was looking for that, he has not lost his confidence, nor mine. So much the better that he was there this evening.

Further reading

Germany head coach Joachim Low, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and midfielder Joshua Kimmich are excited at the chance to take on England at Wembley in the last 16.

Die Mannschaft were on their way to Euro 2020 elimination on Wednesday as they trailed Hungary by a goal late in their Group F finale. 

But Leon Goretzka's 84th-minute equaliser earned Germany a 2-2 draw and a second-place finish in their group, clinching a spot in the round of 16 against the Three Lions.

What was said?

On facing England at Wembley, Kimmich said: "Awesome. There is no better game. Whether it needed to be in the round of 16, I am not sure.

"We've seen three different games now, and we've definitely got room for improvement. We want to show that at Wembley."

Low added: "It is an absolute highlight to play England at Wembley. We will be well prepared and will of course perform differently than today. I can promise that."

"We are just relieved that we managed to qualify as group runners-up, of course that was a thriller of nerves," said Neuer. 

"That was a many-legged defensive chain that wanted to close everything down. England will be a completely different game. We want to go further - and Wembley suits us." 

A rivalry renewed

England and Germany are well acquainted at major international tournaments, having faced one another eight times at the World Cup and European Championships.

Those eight matches are the most England has played against any single opponent at the two tournaments. 

The last time England defeated Germany in the knockout rounds of a major tournament was at the 1966 World Cup final, when the Three Lions defeated West Germany 4-2.

The Germans have subsequently knocked England out of the 1970 World Cup, the 1990 World Cup, Euro 1996 and the 2010 World Cup.

The two sides will now face off again at Wembley on Tuesday.

Further reading