GERMANY 1-1 ENGLAND: After Jonas Hofmann's goal, Gareth Southgate's team struggled in Munich and required a late Harry Kane penalty to salvage a Nations League point.
A late Harry Kane penalty saved England's blushes in a 1-1 Nations League tie against Germany in Munich on Tuesday evening.
Gareth Southgate's team put in a lacklustre effort, seldom threatening Manuel Neuer's goal. The hosts were the superior team and thought they had clinched all three points when Jonas Hofmann of Borussia Monchengladbach scored in the second half.
Nonetheless, Kane's 50th goal gave England their first point of the tournament. On Sunday, the Three Lions were defeated 1-0 by Hungary, putting them at the bottom of their group. On a difficult night for England, these are the big talking points.
It's never easy to play Germany in their own backyard, but England should have made a stronger start. The hosts scored twice in the first 30 minutes - both goals were disallowed - while the visitors only mustered one attempt on goal.
The fourth official showed eight minutes (yep, eight minutes) of injury time at the conclusion of the first half, and England didn't exactly appear in command. Bukayo Saka's initial attempt grazed one of Manuel Neuer's massive hands, while his second attempt from distance was just wide.
Five minutes into the second half, Germany made their impact. Hofmann got himself into a good position inside the area and comfortably blasted past Jordan Pickford.
Harry Maguire was out of position, which was concerning for Southgate, and Pickford should have done a better job with his save.
England was quick to answer. Mason Mount hit a nice long-range shot, but Neuer neatly deflected the ball away from danger. When Jack Grealish was inserted in the 72nd minute, they improved. The Manchester City star set up Kane with a fantastic chance, but he was unable to overcome Neuer.
Following a VAR review, the Three Lions gained momentum and made it count when Kane won a penalty. England's captain took a stride forwards and found the back of the nett. Southgate's team lucked out with a point in Munich and must improve rapidly.
Southgate's team is one of the best in the world.
Conor Coady, Jarrod Bowen, and James Justin were among those named to Southgate's team for the 1-0 defeat to Hungary. Many questioned if England manager Gareth Southgate would field another experimental squad against Germany. The response was an unequivocal no.
On Tuesday, Southgate fielded perhaps his best lineup. Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips were reunited in central midfield despite Phillips' injury, while Kane, Mount, and Raheem Sterling were also picked.
Although it's uncertain whether foreign coaches are interested in the Nations League, Southgate wants his squad to feel they can beat Germany. The outcome on Tuesday will have an influence on England's confidence, particularly if they meet Germany in the World Cup final.
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