Could Germany actually be what England need at Euro 2020?

The Three Lions meet one of their oldest rivals in the last-16 in a match that could end their tournament hopes but also be just what they need

Germany have been unpredictable at the tournament so far (Getty Images)

Whisper it quietly, but could Germany be exactly what England need at Euro 2020?

The Three Lions will face one of their oldest rivals in the last-16 of the tournament after Leon Goretzka saved the Germans, who twice went behind against Hungary before the midfielder’s late goal salvaged a crucial draw in Munich on Wednesday night.

The point saw them finish second behind France in Group F and set them on course for Wembley on Tuesday.

Usually so unerringly predictable, it's been a tournament of ups and downs for Joachim Low's side with the disappointing opening defeat to France followed up just days later by a thrashing of Portugal.

Then, just when public opinion may have just about turned back in their favour, a wholly disjointed display against the group minnows, one which very nearly saw them exit the competition altogether.

Far from the preparation you want ahead of a trip to face an unbeaten group winner and one of the only two teams in the tournament yet to concede a goal then.

Gareth Southgate's side haven't blown anyone away either of course and a lack of fluency in the final third has frustrated even as the other end of the pitch has looked better than ever.

Low, who will leave his role whenever the Germans' tournament ends, is expecting a tough test.

"Hungary parked the bus, with everyone behind the ball, entering every duel and against England it's going to be a totally different match," he said. "They play at home, they want to attack. It's going to be an open match, more open than it was tonight.

"We need to improve on things, we're aware of that and we need to be careful, especially at set-pieces. We can't repeat the same mistakes again. But as I said, it's a different match against England and we're looking forward to it."

There is a temptation to suggest that England will be looking forward to it too.

Given they have won only two of the two nations’ seven World Cup or World Cup qualifier meetings, and only one of their four European Championship showdowns that may seem far-fetched.

Indeed, their last competitive win over them was way back in 2001 and that famous, Michael Owen-inspired night in Munich. But this 2021 vintage feels like a side that may actually be better suited to playing against better teams.

Built on a philosophy of solidity and stubbornness, the Three Lions have often found breaking teams down at the other end more difficult of late. Raheem Sterling has scored the only two goals of the tournament so far while talismanic skipper Harry Kane, although better against the Czechs, is yet to hit his mark.

That said, the attacking struggles thus far have come against three opponents who set up first to defend, inviting England on to them to probe at resolute and rigid lines of four. The Germans, irrespective of their travails so far, won't do that. They will attack and, as a result, open up space for England themselves to attack into.

Serge Gnabry reacts during Germany’s draw with Hungary (Getty Images)

Could Jadon Sancho, so used to tormenting Bundesliga players while with his club, finally be a viable option? Will Bukayo Saka, an excellent addition last time out, keep his place and be given licence to attack the gaps left by Germany's attack-minded wing-backs?

How will Jack Grealish, so impressive at Wembley in conjuring Sterling's goal, fit into Southgate's plans? And does Jordan Henderson, now seemingly fit at long last, return to add experience and edge to a middle of the field set to be crucial with Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan a constant threat?

This far out there are far more questions than answers and we may learn more about all of them between now and Tuesday. England are favoured with bookmakers but as Low predicts it is likely to be a more open contest, even with the stakes raised and any defeat now fatal.

History so infamously tells us that football is a simple game where at the end the Germans win. That may very well happen again this time too - any supporter of the last 55 years and counting will tell you that’s how these things usually go.

But with everything to play for, England could just have as good a chance as they've ever had against their biggest foe.