ENGLAND produced a rousing Wembley comeback in their final match before heading to Qatar… only for the Germans to find a way not to lose.
For 70 minutes, Gareth Southgate’s side meandered towards a drab, uninspiring defeat in their final match before jetting out to the Middle East in under two months.
But then things got a little bonkers.
Over the next 20 minutes, Southgate’s men produced a stunning fight back to wake Wembley out of its slumber and inject some much needed belief into their upcoming campaign.
But a pin was then put in England’s enthusiasm, when Nick Pope’s flap allowed Kai Havertz to equalise in the 87th minute.
On a frenetic night at Wembley Stadium, Etienne Fermie rates each Three Lions performer.
NICK POPE – 4
Horribly caught out on the ball ten minutes in after a poor touch, but was bailed out by a subsequent wayward Ilkay Gundogan shot.
Awkwardness in possession persisted all night, and was particularly shown up by his opposite number Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s comparative comfort. His flap for Havertz’s second cost England victory and could cost him a place on the plane to Qatar.
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
REECE JAMES – 6
Chelsea ace was unable to produce his absolute best down the right flank.
James hustled and bustled, but will have better games for his country.
JOHN STONES – 7
Looked one of England’s better players with his usual bright, positive distribution before unfortunately suffering a hamstring injury while bursting forward on 36 minutes.
Looked gutted as he came off, with his World Cup participation now potentially in doubt. Replaced by his Manchester City team-mate Kyle Walker.
ERIC DIER – 5
Slipped at an inopportune moment to allow Timo Werner through on goal, only for the former Chelsea flop to botch a square pass.
Not a great home England return for the Tottenham ace, who has played much better than that for his club this term.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 4
Gave the ball away with a loose pass before clumsily booting Jamal Musiala to the ground to gift Germany a penalty, tucked away by Gundogan.
Havertz then scored a beauty following a swift counter attack that was started by a lumbering Maguire losing possession in Germany’s half.
LUKE SHAW – 7
Played Sterling through with a sensational pass in the 25th minute.
Squirmed the ball just about beyond Ter Stegen to begin England’s comeback. Encouraging display from the out of favour Manchester United full-back.
DECLAN RICE – 6
A mixed outing for the West Ham star.
Rice produced a few superb passes and interceptions, but also found himself flummoxed by Jamal Musiala more than once.
JUDE BELLINGHAM – 6
Blazed a great chance over the bar in the 56th minute. Fouled by Nico Schlotterbeck for England’s late penalty.
Wasn’t able to put his usual stamp on the match as he does for Dortmund, but wasn’t without his positive moments.
PHIL FODEN – 5
Anonymous performance from the Man City starlet.
Didn’t do anything to strengthen his case in Jack Grealish’s absence and was replaced by the far superior Mason Mount on the night.
RAHEEM STERLING – 7
Denied England’s first open play goal of this Nations League campaign by a brilliant Ter Stegen stop after being played through one-on-one by Shaw – and later found the Barcelona star’s palms with another effort shortly before half-time.
Was the Three Lions’ most threatening player before being replaced by Saka shortly after the hour mark.
HARRY KANE – 7
Nearly found the net with an audacious volley on 26 minutes. Teed up a decent chance for Sterling on the stroke of half-time.
Fantastically fired England into a late lead from the penalty spot.
SUBSTITUTES:
Kyle Walker (for Stones, 36) – 6
Despite the chaos around him, this was a relatively uneventful outing for the City ace.
Mason Mount (for Sterling, 66) – 8
Excellently swept past Ter Stegen to fire England level.
Bukayo Saka (for Foden, 66) – 8
Arsenal star produced a brilliant, bamboozling run before setting up Mount to score, having also played a part in the build-up to England’s first. Nearly found a late winner after a lung-busting run, only to be denied by Ter Stegen.
Jordan Henderson (for Bellingham, 90+1) – N/A
Not enough time to make a huge impact.
Subs not used: Ramsdale, D. Henderson, Trippier, Coady, Guehi, Toney, Chilwell, Abraham
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
