Germany legend pin-points England dangerman ahead of crunch Euro 2020 clash

Cameron Smith

• 29 Jun 2021 11:26 BST

Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has identified England's key man and has warned his nation's backline to be wary of the threat he could cause.

In his opinion, it is Raheem Sterling, not Harry Kane, who will cause Germany the most problems, and believes the Manchester City forward could be the difference in the game.

Sterling has scored both of England's goals so far at the tournament, and with Kane misfiring, he was the man who secured their progression into the knockout stages.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Matthaus explained why Sterling is the man to watch out for: "Sterling is one of the best players in the England team for me.

"Rashford is also dangerous, but Sterling is in a better moment and we [Germany] have to control Sterling."

"He was not happy at the end of the season for Manchester City as he sat on the bench many times with Foden playing in his position."

While many have claimed that because he failed to get into Man City's starting XI towards the end of the season, he shouldn't start for England, Matthaus thinks that being dropped by his club is "psychological motivation for him to show the world who is Sterling."

Sterling in 2020/21

Despite still managing to contribute 14 goals and 10 assists in all competitions last year, Sterling ended the season with just one goal and two assists in his final 16 games, and it's that form that has seen his place in the England starting XI questioned.

His shots per 90 also dropped from 4.5 in 2019/20 down to just 2.5 in 2020/21, but he's been Gareth Southgate's go-to man so far this tournament.

In front of 40,000 fans at Wembley, the two footballing giants will face off with England hoping to win the first knockout game against Germany since their 1966 World Cup final triumph.