In the UEFA Nations League fixture featuring England and Germany, fans were treated to a six-goal thriller at Wembley. England’s relegation from Nations League A3 was already confirmed before the game and the results made sure they stayed bottom.
It was an evenly contested first half that ended 0-0, England created the better chances but precision was lacking in the end. Six minutes into the, second half however, Maguire gifted a penalty to Germany when he tripped Jamal Musiala in the box.
Gundogan cooly converted the penalty and they had the lead. Up next was Kai Havertz, with just one goal to his name all season bent a sublime finessed strike to the top corner.
A defeat looked inevitable for lacklustre England until the introduction of Mason Mount and Bukayo Saka. Five minutes later, Luke Shaw was able to get the ball past Ter Stegen. The super subs then combined for the equaliser after a beautiful run from Saka.
Drama at the end, England were handed a penalty nine minutes before the end and Harry Kane finished it off. Scoring his 51st International goal. The Englishmen thought they had completed the comeback until Pope spilt a Gnabry shot which went straight to Havertz, leaving him with a simple finish.
SOUTHGATE SELECTION BACKFIRES
There is always talking points whenever the England squad is released or the first XI drops, but constantly brewing up the same ones gives fans the view of mediocrity or sentimentality.
Harry Maguire has barely featured for Manchester United this season and to no surprise to anyone. His form decisively has been poor consisting of many poor distributions tan hat led to an opposition goal and he did so twice!
Many fans didn’t want him in the team, but yet he never misses a call-up. A perfect replacement in Ben White who has been excellent is very much on the cards but whether he features is very much in doubt and there’s very little excuse for that.
He played Saka as an LWB, a position very unfamiliar to him since he did so for Arsenal in 2019/20. He plays as an RW for the Gunners and taking him back would reduce his influence and effectiveness. This was done to accommodate Phil Foden and has had very little effectiveness.
Ramsdale is better in distribution and overall play than Pope which Southgate needed but picked the wrong man for the job.
This is officially England’s last game before the World Cup, Gareth Southgate will be hoping to get things right before his team heads to Qatar this year.
