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On one hand, England cannot complain about its group stage performance, keeping three straight clean sheets and finishing atop Group D with seven points. However, the bigger story has been a lack of intensity in the attacking third, with two Raheem Sterling goals the only offense the Three Lions have been able to muster thus far.
A win is a win, though, and if England can continue these outcomes as it progresses in the tournament then it will not matter in the end. But as the stakes increase and the quality of competition stiffens, it seems awfully unlikely that this style of play will be able to take the squad as far as it desires. Expect Germany to challenge the hosts and force them to break down a defense in order to find success.
Much has been made of Harry Kane’s performance, which certainly has not been aided by continued transfer rumors. The lone Tottenham Hotspur member on the England team must find a way to make an impact regardless, else his side is going to eventually fall short of the ultimate goal. Fair or not, all eyes remain on the national team captain.
England vs. Germany
- 3:00 pm ET, 8:00 pm UK
- ESPN (USA), BBC One (UK)
- Harry Kane
Sweden vs. Ukraine
- 3:00 pm ET, 8:00 pm UK
- ESPN (USA), BBC One (UK)