'Absolute scenes': England goes bonkers over Euro 2020 epic

Prince William was beside himself and there was pandemonium around England after the Three Lions created history at Euro 2020 by defeating Germany.

With the weight of their nation always weighing heavy on the players' shoulders, the build up to the clash between England and Germany on Tuesday was immense.

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But unlike scenes witnessed in England over the last year, fans flocked to Wembley and packed out bars in images reminiscent of a world before the coronavirus took hold.

With Prince William watching on from the stands, the nation erupted into ecstasy as England defeated Germany 2-0 for the first time in a knockout stage at a tournament since 1966 to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.

And just like in England's two group wins, Raheem Sterling was on the scoresheet, breaking the tense deadlock in the 75th minute in a move he started and completed.

The Round of 16 finally saw England net more than once at Euro 2020, and for Harry Kane to shed the pressure on his shoulders by finally scoring.

The striker headed in Jack Grealish's cross in the 86th minute, with William seen in the crowd cheering ferociously.

The match offered a chance for a nation, locked down for months at a time due to Covid-19, to come together as the vaccine has been widely rolled out.

Bars and pubs were packed and Wembley became a theatre once again as England faced its biggest match since the World Cup.

Fans flocked to social media to share the remarkable scenes, which showcases the power of sport and football.

Police were seen trying to break up the frenzy as England fans took over the streets and pubs across the country.

Harry Kane praises England team

Kane, who has endured a tough tournament so far, was relieved to score.

But the striker didn't let the weight of the moment get away from him after the game.

"With all the expectation and pressure," Kane said.

"We delivered."

It was England's second-ever win in the knockout stage of the European Championship. The last came on penalties against Spain at Euro '96 before the hosts were denied a place in the final by Germany in a shootout at Wembley.

It was on penalties that Germany also beat England in the 1990 World Cup semifinals. Then there was the English goal wrongfully disallowed as Germany knocked the English out of the 2010 World Cup.

Now England will play either Sweden or Ukraine in the Euro 2020 quarterfinals on Saturday in Rome, eying a return to Wembley for the semifinals and the final on July 11.

For all the experience in Germany's side, it was World Cup winner Thomas Muller who squandered a chance to equalise in the 81st minute. With only Pickford to beat, Muller put the ball wide.

England has yet to concede in its four games at Euro 2020.

"It's a moment none of us will ever forget," said Kane, who scored his 35th international goal. "The perfect afternoon."

with AAP

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