England and Germany are both works in progress, but Southgate has more stability | Philipp Lahm

I remember Germany’s wins in 1990 and 1996, but perhaps this time England will finally find their hero

My first memories as a football fan are to do with England. I rooted for my national team in the semi-final duels in 1990 and 1996. Germany won both games on penalties and went on to win the titles. England could have won both times, too.

I was impressed by the endless energy of Paul Gascoigne. He was the most dazzling but also tragic figure. In 1990, he was in tears after he received a second yellow card which would have suspended him for the final. In 1996, he was 20cm short of scoring the golden goal in extra time. He slipped past the ball at the far post, as Germany fans will remember for ever.

Related: Never stopped me dreaming: how Euro 96 illuminated our world