MY ACCOUNT
Harry Kane scored his 50th England goal from the penalty spot late on to earn a 1-1 draw with Germany in the Nations League at the Allianz Arena.
The hosts dominated the opening stages and were unlucky not to go ahead after Jonas Hofmann’s first-half strike was disallowed.
Yet Hofmann did give Germany the lead early in the second half when he produced a stunning strike to beat Jordan Pickford from range.
But Kane salvaged a point with his 50th Three Lions goal, becoming just the second player to reach that landmark after Wayne Rooney, as he dispatched from the penalty spot in the 88th minute after VAR deemed that he was fouled by Nico Schlotterbeck inside the area.
We take a look at five talking points from Gareth Southgate’s side’s Nations League draw.
50 not-out
Kane’s late penalty was his 50th goal for the Three Lions — moving him to just three behind Wayne Rooney’s all-time England goalscoring record.
The striker looked to have spurned his chance of a goal, as Manuel Neuer produced a terrific save to deny the talisman a near-certain equaliser at the back post.
Yet it was Kane, 28, who made his own luck with just minutes to spare after being brought down by the trailing leg of Schlotterbeck to win the spot-kick.
With two games remaining in the current international break, Kane will hope to eclipse Rooney’s tally of 53 ahead of this year’s World Cup.
Speaking afterwards, Kane said: “I love scoring goals, I have always loved it especially for my country. Whenever I can help the team I am glad to do that.”
Back four
Gareth Southgate has alternated between a three-man defence and a back-four during his England reign.
The Three Lions set out with a back three in Saturday’s defeat to Hungary — but to no avail as they posed little threat going forward.
Southgate reverted to a back four in Munich, with Kyle Walker shifting out to the right-back slot and Kieran Trippier returning to his less-favoured left-back role.
Yet the system was overrun once again. Thomas Muller and Jamal Musiala caused the England defence numerous issues as they drifted between the lines unmarked.
Missing Musiala
If there were any hard feelings among England fans surrounding Musiala’s Three Lions snub, they will have heightened following this display.
The midfielder, who played for the Three Lions at Under-15 and Under-17 level, was superb in his advanced role behind striker Kai Havertz — providing a constant out-ball for the German back-line.
Musiala, 19, frequently ghosted in behind the England midfield and regularly lifted the Allianz Arena off their seats with his surges towards the Three Lions’ defence.
The Stuttgart-born starlet looked wise beyond his years for Die Mannschaft and showed England exactly what they are missing.
As noticeable was Germany’s lack of urgency after Musiala’s substitution, as they lost control of the game following his 65th-minute exit.
Tepid Three Lions
It was another uninspiring performance from Southgate’s side who have a single point from their first two Nations League games in Group 3A.
England sat back for the majority of the tie which allowed Germany to dictate through their high-flying wing-backs and tactically-aware forwards.
The Three Lions had very little answers to Die Mannschaft’s high press as they suffocated England’s defence to prevent them playing out.
England’s performance transformed in the final 20 minutes with their front-foot display salvaging a draw.
Southgate’s side began to create overloads in the wide positions, while piling men into the box to show what can be achieved with a more forward-thinking approach.
Game-changer Grealish
Substitute Jack Grealish completely turned the game on its head following his introduction in the 72nd minute.
The winger will have felt hard done-by to have started the game on the bench as he was also a substitute in the 1-0 loss to Hungary.
Yet the Manchester City star displayed his quality in his short time on the pitch at the Allianz Arena, making a number of tormenting runs towards.
Grealish played a terrific pass to fashion Kane’s golden opportunity in the 77th minute before once more playing a huge part in the build-up that led to the Three Lions’ penalty.
The attacker has surely staked his claim for a starting spot in the England side that hosts Euro 2020 oppressors Italy at the weekend.
