One of the all-time great international fixtures returns on Monday night as England host Germany at Wembley.
Having already faced relegation in the UEFA Nations League, the only task at hand for Gareth Southgate’s men is to continue World Cup preparations and attempt to end their five-match winless run.
As things stand, the stats don’t make for great reading if you’re an England fan. For instance, the last time England failed to pick up a single win in five competitive games was back in October 1992.
To make matters worse, England are also enduring their worst goal drought since 2000 having failed to find the back of the net in three consecutive games.
It has been 450 minutes since the Three Lions scored from open play, with Harry Kane’s penalty proving the only England goal in this season’s Nations League.
In fact, Southgate’s men are one of just two nations who failed to score from open play during the competition. The other, embarrassingly, is San Marino.
Nevertheless, memories of the recent European Championships may inspire a lost spark in England’s forward line.
England famously beat Germany 2-0 at Wembley to knock their opponents out of the tournament in the round-of-16 stage.
Speaking of Germany, it’s fair to say that Die Mannschaft are also under a bit of pressure heading into Monday’s encounter.
Manager Hansi Flick’s 13-game unbeaten run came to a screeching halt on Friday as his men lost at home against group leaders Hungary.
Germany have only won one of their last six games, although four of those have been 1-1 draws against top opposition.
Putting their Euro 2021 loss aside, Germany have enjoyed their recent trips to England, winning on three of their last five visits.
All three of those victories have come by a one-goal margin, and a similarly tight game is expected on Monday.
Both nations could use a pre-World Cup boost, but considering both have been underwhelming, our recommendation is to back a 1-1 draw.
England haven’t gone scoreless in four games since 1981, and we don’t anticipate that record to be equalled this week. After all, England have scored against their rivals in all four of their most recent competitive encounters.
One man to keep a close eye on is Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling. With four goals in his last six games for club and country, the 27-year-old is certainly capable of opening up Germany’s defence.
Key stats
– England and San Marino are the only teams to fail to score from open play in this Nations League season
– England’s last goal from open play came 450 minutes ago
– Four of Germany’s last six games have finished 1-1
– Two of the last three H2H’s between England and Germany were draws
– England haven’t won a competitive game since November 2021 (a 10-0 victory over San Marino)
