The report says the support is being driven by three figures: Thomas Tuchel, Harry Kane and the Premier League. Tuchel’s German background has created a natural point of interest, while Kane remains a popular figure after his move to Bayern Munich.
Bartels also pointed to the league’s reach. “Todo mundo na Alemanha assiste à Premier League. É a melhor liga do mundo, nós sabemos disso,” he said, arguing that English football has become part of the weekly routine for supporters across Germany.
That relationship has softened one of football’s fiercest rivalries. England are not simply being viewed as old opponents; they are also being judged through the personalities and competition German fans know well.
The emotional pull is clear. Bartels said England’s lack of recent major-tournament success “does not seem fair”, while former defender Felix Bastians believes the issue has rarely been a shortage of talent.
“When you look at the players that England produces, they always had one of the strongest squads,” Bastians said. “The problem was never the talent, but the calendar of English football.”
That concern will be central against Argentina. England’s Premier League-heavy squad has endured a demanding season, and fatigue can become decisive when a tournament reaches its final stages. The team may have the quality to control possession and create chances, but tired legs can affect pressing, recovery runs and concentration.
Around 30,000 England supporters are expected in Atlanta, giving the semi-final a strong English presence. They will be joined, at least emotionally, by German viewers who have found reasons to cheer for Tuchel, Kane and the Premier League connection.
The next test is whether that goodwill can become a winning night. England’s semi-final against Argentina will show if talent, experience and fresh energy are finally enough to carry the team to the World Cup final.