England 2 West Germany 0

Albion striker Danny Welbeck was among the fans who called it.

Raheem Sterling had made an electric start to Euro 2020, he said ahead of England’s last-16 tie with Germany.

He called for - and expected - more of the same from his former England sidekick.

Sterling did not disappoint. Far from it.

England’s most forceful attacker on the day was again the spark as the Three Lions kept their nerve, patience, shape and discipline to get the job done.

And, after Thomas Muller missed a sitter, Harry Kane secured the win with a late header.

Another win - and another built on a clean sheet, so often the bedrock of successful sides in this tournament.

After the feast of attacking football in Monday’s Euro ties, Gareth Southgate’s line-up looked cautious – and there was plenty of criticism of his choices across social and more conventional media in the hour before kick-off.

It was a three-man defence with wing-backs designed to cope with Germany’s threat out wide.

Bukayo Saka’s dynamic display in the final group fixture against the Czech Republic secured him a starting spot.

But, with two holding midfielders, it appeared England had seven outfield starters of a defensive nature.

That said there was plenty of flair to bring off the bench when the time was right.

But the array of subs in the 23 did not include Albion defender Ben White or, more contentiously, Everton centre-forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Some home supporters let themselves down by booing the German national anthem amid what was otherwise a buoyant atmosphere at half-full Wembley.

It was, though, a nervy start by England. Jordan Pickford had to come out to kick clear when it seemed Timo Werner had been sent through the middle.

Then similar service released Leon Goretzka, who was fouled by Declan Rice.

The midfielder was booked and the centrally-placed free-kick just outside the box, drilled by Kai Havertz, was blocked.

But Saka lifted England - and then Sterling cut inside and sent in a shot which Manuel Neuer had to push wide.

Harry Maguire headed the resulting corner straight to the keeper.

Matthias Ginter was the first German in the book for a foul on Luke Shaw as England, looking more purposeful, attacked down their left.

That free-kick was cleared but, as the attack continued, England might have gone ahead.

Kalvin Phillips released Kieran Trippier to cross but a timid header by Maguire floated well off target.

Arguably a better chance followed – at the other end. Havertz sent Werner in to the left of goal and his close range effort was well blocked by Pickford.

Phillips could have no complaints over a yellow card for catching Tony Kroos late in midfield.

The rueful look and shake of the head from Southgate appeared to recognise the fact the Leeds man had made a tough mission, which he was fulfilling well, more difficult for himself.

But, just seconds from the interval, England surely had to go ahead.

Sterling made a terrific drive at the heart of the German defence.

The ball was touched away from him by a defender to Kane in on goal, but his heavy first touch took him back inside and the chance ran away from him.

Having almost scored just before the break, England might well have conceded straight after it.

Havertz got good connection as he swung left-footed into a bouncing ball and his shot was arrowing high into the net until Pickford tipped it over.

John Stones was diligent on the next German attack as he showed Werner wide and blocked his shot.

It was tense stuff – but it was hard to see how England would make a breakthrough.

Southgate turned to Jack Grealish, who went on for Saka.

At the same stoppage Serge Gnabry was on for Germany, replacing Werner.

Robin Gosens picked up a needless yellow for Germany when he lunged in on Trippier on halfway.

The breakthrough came in the 75th minute – and it was Sterling who again provided it. England’s build-up was precise and patient after Sterling made the first drive at the defence.

Kane and Grealish were involved, the overlapping Shaw slid across a perfect ball and Sterling had continued his run to provide the finish.

It was the goal England craved – but they so nearly let the lead slip quickly.

Thomas Muller saw a free-kick from the edge of the box hit the wall.

OUR LIVEBLOG FROM BRIGHTON AS ENGLAND BEAT GERMANY 2-0 AT EURO 2020

Then, when sent clean through, he dragged his shot inches wide with just Pickford to beat while the watching Sterling slumped to his knees as he feared the worst.

But there was to be precious breathing space – and a great moment for Kane.

Shaw was again involved in an attack down the left. Grealish crossed and Kane dived in to head home.

England: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire; Trippier, Phillips, Rice (Henderson 88), Shaw; Saka (Grealish 69), Kane, Sterling. Subs: Rashford, Ramsdale, Mings, Coady, Sancho, Mount, Foden, Johnstone, James, Bellingham.

Goals: Sterling 75, Kane 86.

Yellow card: Rice, Phillips, Maguire.

Germany: Neuer; Ginter (Can 87), Hummels, Rudiger; Kimmich, Kroos, Goretzka, Gosens (Sane 87); Havertz, Muller (Musiala 90+2); Werner (Gnabry 68). Subs: Halstenberg, Volland, Leno, Sule, Neuhaus, Gundogan, Trapp, Koch.

Yellow card: Ginter, Gosens.

Referee: Danny Makkelie (Holland)