It just had to be. When the draw was made for South Africa, all Englishmen and Germans knew of the potential second round clash between the two proud nations, and here it is.

The two nations have a history that transcends the realms of football, and that history has no doubt influenced the passion and some would say genuine hate, the two countries have when it comes to the beautiful game.

England's first and only World Cup triumph in 1966, defeating West Germany 4-2 in the final courtesy of a Geoff Hurst hat-trick.

The Germans getting there revenge at the following World Cup, eliminating England in the quarter-finals after coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2.


The 1990 World Cup was considered England's best chance to win the World Cup since '66, but it was once again the German's that stopped them in there tracks, with a penalty shoot-out win. The image of Gazza crying is one of the most famous images in English football history.


Germany again got the better of England at a major tournament, and again in a penalty shoot-out, this time in the 1996 European Championships.


The two nations met in the group stage of Euro 2000 and Alan Shearer's goal gave England there first competitive win over Germany since the 1966 World Cup final. Amazingly, neither side managed to progress from the group.


England and Germany were drawn in the same qualifiying group for the 2002 World Cup, and after the German's defeated England 1-0 at Wembley, the three lions went to Munich and tore the German's apart, Michael Owen scoring hat-trick.


The next chapter in this storied rivalry is set to be written in South Africa.


COME ON ENGLAND

This game is going to be awesome.

Germany to win on penalties, Lampard is going to miss, im going to laugh and the Chavs are going to riot.

Two World Wars and One World Cup .

This will be epic! Neither team has been consistently good in their groups so you cant really pick anything going on form. At least we havent lost a game .

Its on at the perfect time as well, I cant fucking wait!

ENGLAND!

I love how these competitions pull out match-ups like this.

Next year's RWC has USA v Russia in pool play which should be fun

Should be a brilliant match. Hopefully it's entertaining and Ozil plays well as he has done for the past few games.

Will be pulling for England but who knows what to expect from either side really.

This World Cup is working out like WW2 - France have forfeited, the USA turned up late, and England are left to fight the Germans.

Nice little analogy there Shooter

lol - nice one

LOL nice one.

England FTW!

Ozil's injury will really effect Germany

They have Klose back.
Klose always scores in the World Cup.
Ergo, England are screwed.

14% of Heskey's England goals have been against Germany, I'd be pretty scared if I was ze Krauts.