The rivalry between England and Germany, not sure its the same with them, probably goes back to the controversial 1966 world cup and knocking us out the 1970 world cup. Not forgetting all the penalty shoot out since. Probably has nothing to do with the wars.
Also the fact that they always seem to do well in championships, when their team is not always any better the ours

Most English people dislike the French more then the German, and that is returned.

The Germanic languages are similair in many ways as I found out when I was learning to speak Dutch. I also know a little German, he is 4ft high.