It was a sterling day for England. Alongside a triumphant win over Germany in the Euro, the English cricket side also etched out a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first one-day international (“Sterling and Kane send England into Euro last eight with Germany romp,” June 30, Gulf Today).

All eyes were of course on England’s showdown with Germany at Wembley. Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane were on target as England ended Germany jinx and booked their berth in the quarter-finals.

The clash was made special because Germany has been humiliating the English side for decades. To be precise, England had not beaten Germany since 1966 before the Tuesday tie. Germany had also shown the exit doors to England in 1970, 1990 and 2010 World Cups. All credit then to Gareth Southgate and his boys for holding their nerve to put an end to 55 years of hurt and pain.

It was a late show of strength by Southgate’s team but nonetheless it was historic. The Three Lions have had a great run so far in the tournament and should they continue with the winning stride, the final glory could well be theirs.

That it will be at Wembley will make it even more spectacular, more because it will undo some of the pain of the 1996 semi-final penalty shootout loss to Germany. As for Germany, the Wembley loss might not be their worst performance.

Southgate’s side will surely be on a high after that win. But what failed to make headlines were the Chris Woakes and Joe Root’s heroics against the Lankans at Chester-le-Street. Woakes claimed 4-18 from his 10 overs, restricting the tourists to a less-than-competitive 185 all out after England won the toss and chose to field. Joe Root delivered next with ease later as England cruised to a five-wicket win with 15 overs to spare.

A day to remember for England.

Ralph R
By email