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All eyes will be on the Wembley Stadium on Tuesday when England host Germany in a blockbuster Round-of-16 clash at Euro 2020.
Both England and Germany have a plethora of talented players in their ranks. But one of the two pre-tournament favourites will exit the tournament before the quarter-finals.
The Three Lions lost at this stage of the Euros to Iceland five years ago. So they'll hope to go one better this year, but Germany are no mugs either, having reached the last-8 in all three of the previous appearances at the Euros.
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What makes the clash more interesting is the history between the two teams, their meetings at major tournaments. Germany and England have met at the World Cup and the European championships several times in the past.
That includes a 4-1 thrashing of England by Die Mannschaft at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, in the two teams' last meeting at a major tournament. But the two teams played out a goalless stalemate at the Wembley in a friendly game in November 2017.
Germany are once again the favourites, but stranger things have happened at the Euros. England will bank on their stoic defence to keep out Germany's fearsome attackers and reach their first Euro quarter-finals since 2012.
Ahead of the mouth-watering kick-off, let's see how England and Germany would line up in a hypothetical combined XI:
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer (Germany)
Until a few years back, Manuel Neuer would've topped any list featuring the world's best goalkeepers. But while he's not at the same level he once was, the Bayern Munich custodian's quality is undeniable. Even at 35 years of age, Neuer remains a key presence between the sticks for Germany.
Jordan Pickford would've made the cut here against any other goalkeeper, having kept three clean sheets in the group stage at Euro 2020. But he wasn't as challenged in goal as Neuer was in the 'group of death'.
That's why his German counterpart has got the nod. Moreover, Neuer's sweeper-keeper skills could be key to keeping out Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.
Centre-back: Kyle Walker (England)
On the right side of England's back-three, Kyle Walker is arguably at his most comfortable. He played only twice in the Euro 2020 group stage but gave a good account of himself. Walker combined pace and strength on the ball with an occasional flair of attacking brilliance.
Centre-back: Mats Hummels (Germany)
His own goal against France in the opening game aside, Mats Hummels has impressed for Germany. He has averaged three interceptions per game while coming up strong aerially too, winning almost four duels on average.
Hummels is a trusted lieutenant of Joachim Loew and will be a tough figure to beat for England, given his imposing frame.
Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger (Germany)
He has been in terrific form since the second half of the 2020-21 season. Antonio Rudiger has successfully continued the same with Germany at Euro 2020 too.
Tall, quick and athletic, Rudiger can be a commanding presence in the air and possesses immense skill with the ball at his feet too. He has completed 95% of his passes on average at Euro 2020.
Right Wing-back: Joshua Kimmich (Germany)
An underrated operator in Germany's star-studded squad, Joshua Kimmich is the glue that binds the team together.
Technically gifted and supremely intelligent, the Bayern Munich ace possesses the ability to create chances out of nowhere with his long balls and has an eye for space. His prowess at set-pieces brings another layer of threat, which England will have to deal with.
Defensive Midfielder: Kalvin Phillips (England)
Leon Goretzka could've made for a good choice too, but Kalvin Phillips has everyone talking about him, thanks to his top-notch displays.
His assist for Raheem Sterling in the opening game remains one of the finest at Euro 2020, as it demonstrated his ability to dribble through tight spaces. Phillips is tough to dispossess as well, something Germany will have to be wary of.
Left Wing-back: Robin Gosens (Germany)
Is there any left-back/ left midfielder/ left wing-back who's been even remotely close to Robin Gosens at Euro 2020?
The Atalanta star is in irresistible form, wreaking havoc down his flank with his piercing runs and incredible crosses. As was seen against Portugal, Gosens can be a huge aerial threat too, with an eye for goal in set-piece situations.
Attacking Midfielder: Thomas Muller (Germany)
No player can hold a candle to Thomer Muller's spatial intelligence. He can find spaces in opposition defences with devastating effect, something he has shown at Euro 2020 too.
It's a shame that he hasn't scored or assisted yet. So Muller will hope to correct the anomaly against a team he has tormented in the past.
Right-Winger: Kai Havertz (Germany)
Kai Havertz won the Champions League for Chelsea with a match-winning goal in the final against Manchester City.
Now, he's playing a talismanic role for Germany at Euro 2020, helping them finish second in the 'group of death' with two important goals as well as forcing two own goals. Havertz's movement in attacking areas has been difficult to contain, so England's stoic defence will have a real challenge on their hands.
Striker: Serge Gnabry (Germany)
Serge Gnabry is yet to open his account at the Euros, but he has been the silent killer for Germany - dropping back (or in some cases drifting out wide) for players like Havertz and Muller to run into.
Gnabry has also bamboozled opposition defences. The Bayern Munich star has an excellent record in London, and that alone might be a good omen for him in terms of goals.
Left Winger: Raheem Sterling (England)
Both of England's goals at the Euros so far have come from Raheem Sterling, who has looked sharp in attack.
With Harry Kane disappointing, Sterling has stepped up to the plate and made a difference. He could give Germany a lot to think about, with his energetic runs and eye for passes.
