Germany have vowed to silence England fans at Wembley tomorrow by dumping Gareth Southgate’s side out of Euro 2020.
Wembley will welcome 45,000 fans for the last 16 clash between England and Germany, the vast majority of those cheering for Southgate’s men on home soil.
But Germany wing-back Robin Gosens said Joachim Low’s side will relish having so many fans against them and claimed it will only motivate them further.
Asked about having so few Germany fans at Wembley, Gosens said: “Of course that’s a shame for the fans, but for us it’s additional motivation.
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“It’s great when the whole stadium is against you.
“We have to take our motivation from the fact that we will do everything we can to ensure that the English are as quiet as possible in their own stadium.
“The anticipation is gigantic. Playing England in England is huge. I’ve never played at Wembley either and I’m really in the mood for it.
“England are very attacking so defensive work will be required first and foremost.
“But if we can play our offensive game from a safe defensive base, then that will be something good to build from.”
Germany have been unconvincing so far at Euro 2020, losing their opener to France, beating Portugal, then scraping a draw against Hungary with a late equaliser to sneak into the knockout stage.
Gosens, who has been one of Germany’s most effective performers, admitted Low’s men have not been at their best, but claimed they do not deserve the criticism that has come their way, particularly in their homeland.
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“After the game against Portugal we were the heroes of the nation and suddenly we are the cucumbers of the nation again,” said Gosens.
“For me personally, the contrast is too great. Everything was certainly not perfect, but we made it through second in the most difficult group.
“I’m full of confidence that we can build on the games against France and Portugal and reach the final. That’s the goal.”
Chelsea and Germany forward Kai Havertz is also relishing the Wembley clash and hopes to make his mark in his first international game against England.
“This is a special game for me,” said Havertz. “I’ve played at Wembley, it’s a big game for all of us and we’ll do everything we can to win.
”This is my first game against England, so you can’t talk about being a threat yet, but I hope that I will be on Tuesday.”
Germany have a core of players who play in England, including Chelsea trio Havertz, Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werne, Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan and Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno.
“Perhaps the only advantage the players based in England have is that they can assess the level and the toughness a little better,” said Havertz.
“But we also have a lot of experienced players who have played against England.”
