Perfect Finish by Peter Cornwell.

England 1 Germany 0, Euro 2000. On the 17th of June 2000 England once again faced their old nemesis Germany in a Group A qualifying match at Euro 2000. England entered the game knowing that they had not defeated Germany in a competitive match since the famous World Cup victory in 1966. Germany made four changes to the side that had drawn with Romania including the introduction of midfielder Sebastian Deisler, whilst England had been forced to replace Tony Adams and Steve McManaman with Martin Keown and Dennis Wise due to injury. As expected the game started at a frenetic pace and Jancker made things difficult for England's central defenders early on with his height and strength. England appeared to be lacking cohesion and allowed Germany to take control of the game. Deisler brought the German crowd to their feet with a clever run down the right hand side and minutes later Hamaan had their first strike on goal which was hit directly at David Seaman. England were looking for a flash of inspiration and it was very nearly delivered as Michael Owen managed to meet Phil Neville's cross with his head but only managed to direct the ball on to the post. Paul Scholes in typical fashion drove a ferocious volley, which was tipped just over the bar, and suddenly it appeared that England were beginning to find some weaknesses in certain areas of the German side. At the interval little separated the two sides however, England started the second half with a steely determination. After just seven minutes David Beckham earned his side a free kick in a very dangerous position on the England right. With good movement from the forwards in the German area Beckham swung a speculative cross into the six yard box. Owen, beaten by the pace, failed to connect but man of the match Alan Shearer anticipated the kind bounce and without hesitation headed the ball back across Kahn and into the right hand side of the German goal. The England captain had broken the deadlock and instilled in his side the belief that they could finally defeat their oldest rivals. Germany threw everything they had at England but Keegan's team were equal to the task in every area of the pitch. As the final whistle blew a huge roar erupted from the England supporters as Alan Shearer's goal had ended over thirty years of frustration and sealed his place in the history books as one of England's greatest ever strikers.

Signed limited edition of 600 prints.

Image size 20 inches x 14 inches (51cm x 36cm) Paper size including text and printed remarques 27 inches x 19.5 inches (69cm x 50cm)