Ian Payne 4am - 7am
Sterling and Kane the heroes as England beat Germany 2-0 at Wembley
29 June 2021, 18:51 | Updated: 29 June 2021, 22:38
Fans react as England knocks Germany out of the Euros
England are through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 after an impressive 2-0 win over Germany at Wembley.
Two goals in the last 15 minutes from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane were the difference between the two sides in front of the stadium’s highest capacity since football returned following the pandemic.
It is 55 years since the England last beat Germany in a knockout tie and sparked ecstatic celebrations among supporters.
READ MORE: England v Germany: Prince George joins Kate and William to watch Euro 2020 clash
It is also England's first European Championship knockout game win in 25 years and sets up a match in Rome against either Sweden or Ukraine on Saturday evening.
Chances had been few and far between as the second half wore on before Sterling converted Luke Shaw’s low cross.
Thomas Muller dragged a shot wide when clean through with the score at 1-0 as Germany pressed for an equaliser, before Kane's header from substitute Jack Grealish's cross doubled England’s lead.
Early in the second half Kai Havertz had forced Jordan Pickford into an excellent save with a fierce half-volley, while Germany’s best first half chance fell to Timo Werner, who was denied by an impressive block from the England goalkeeper.
England fans arrive at Wembley ahead of Euro 2020 tie
Germany had started the game the brighter of the two sides before Gareth Southgate's team grew into the game, with Sterling testing Manuel Neuer with a smart shot from outside the box.
Harry Maguire and Harry Kane both should have done better when presented with first half chances.
However Kane made up for his miss when he doubled England's lead, and Germany were unable to muster up a late rally.
England players reacted to the side's victory on social media, with Harry Maguire tweeting: "England 2 - 0 Germany."
England 2 - 0 Germany 🏴 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/GBifp3uFDj
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) June 29, 2021
Alongside a picture of him celebrating with Sterling and Kane, England midfielder Jordan Henderson wrote on Twitter: "Brilliant performance in a huge game!!! These 2! Wembley was on (fire) Next up... Quarter finals!"
Brilliant performance in a huge game!!! These 2! 🔥❤️ Wembley was on 🔥
— Jordan Henderson (@JHenderson) June 29, 2021
Next up... Quarter finals! 🦁🏴 pic.twitter.com/YFrYrpH7zg
Kyle Walker added: "What a feeling!!! Huge thanks to all the fans both in stadium and at home for all the support. Let's keep the momentum going."
What a feeling!!! 🏴
— Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) June 29, 2021
Huge thanks to all the fans both in stadium and at home for all the support. Let’s keep the momentum going.
🦁🦁🦁@england #england pic.twitter.com/m3OScb2ZDK
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who watched the match from the stands with Prince George, hailed England's performance as "incredible".
Incredible performance @England!#GERENG pic.twitter.com/QLOIJ9Ihn6
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) June 29, 2021
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: "Well done England!
"We're all behind you - bring it home!"