England versus Germany. Few other sporting fixtures generate such excitement and media coverage in England as the meeting of our two countries’ national football teams, especially during a major tournaments.
There’s a reason it sometimes feels as though England end up playing Germany more than any other nation - because they have. Outside of the British Isles, England has played more games against Germany than any other country. 47 times in fact (though there is some debate about the official number).1
Football is often described as a form of Ersatzkrieg. A German word suggesting a substitute for war. Given the readiness with which the English media and many fans reference the Second World War whenever the teams meet, the term is certainly suitable here.
But this hasn’t always been the case. From the earliest matches in the late 19th century, to appointment of a German coach as England manager last year, football is one of the most fascinating bellwethers of contemporary Anglo-German relations and reveal a lot about how England views herself.
I was recently invited onto the Soccer Nostalgia podcast by
to discuss this fascinating topic.I hope you enjoy!
The Deutsche Fußball Bund (DFB) considers 20th April 1908 to be the first proper encounter, whereas the English Football Association (FA) only recognises matches from the 10th May 1930 onwards. Regardless, there were many more matches prior to either of these dates, which I have included in this figure. I have also included the four matches England played against East Germany in that total.