This article isn't a match review or my opinions on the performance (I'll include the highlights at the end) but why this victory means so much and why these celebrations represent so much more than qualification into the quarter finals.
My children have never really experienced me celebrating an England goal and the tears they shed, wondering why their dad was screaming at the TV in such a strange way was something I'm hoping they'll be put through again this Saturday. But I doubt I'll be celebrating the way I was tonight, so why does beating Germany mean so much?
I was born in 1980 and my first memories of international football were Italia '90. An iconic tournament for my generation with some incredibly memorable moments. Platt's goal against Belgium, Lineker's penalties against Cameroon and the dreaded semi-final. Gazza's mesmeric performance, his tears after getting booked and then this...
The heart ache of penalties and being beaten. Pretty much summarising what the next 30 years would be like for an England fan.
30 years of hurt.... never stopped me dreaming
Fast Forward to Euro '96 and the release of the above song. Also, the 1st time in 30 years that England had hosted a major international tournament and wow, what a tournament it was. Gazza's brilliance against Scotland, absolutely annihilating Holland and a run to the semi-final which would see us face Germany. Gazza somehow failing to reach a Shearer cross shot in extra time and then the dreaded penalties. No penalties missed or saved, 5-5 and sudden death.
Now England manager Gareth Southgate missing the crucial spot kick and more penalty heart ache versus Germany.
It's impossible to compare this England squad to those iconic favourites of the 90's but tonight, they've delivered something that no other England squad has been able to do in my lifetime - a tournament victory against Germany - the first in a knockout competition since 1966.
30 years of hurt.... never stopped me dreaming
Match Highlights 
Source
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