HARRY MAGUIRE and Nick Pope were guilty of slapstick defending — as three crazy clangers saw England go SIX competitive matches without a win for the first time.
England had produced a stunning comeback to going 2-0 down after Maguire’s errors in the second half.
Then keeper Pope also blundered to blow the chance for a perfect Wembley send-off to the World Cup.
England boss Gareth Southgate had staked his reputation on Manchester United star Maguire — despite the under-fire defender being axed by his club.
Fans also booed Maguire as his name was read out before kick-off.
And then he clumsily gave away the second-half penalty which gifted Germany the lead AND was at fault for their second goal after being robbed of the ball for the visitors to break from their own half.
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England then produced a stunning Nations League fightback to go in front, with goals from Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and a Harry Kane penalty.
Shaw’s strike was England’s first goal from open play in a staggering 521 minutes, while Kane’s goal came on his 50th game as England captain.
But a howler from Newcastle keeper Pope gifted Chelsea’s Kai Havertz his second as the Germans grabbed a last-gasp Nations League equaliser.
Kane admitted the errors cost England dear but insisted the comeback gives them a lift ahead of Qatar.
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The Spurs striker declared: “We were unfortunate to go 2-0 behind with a mistake and a great goal from the edge of box.
“We did really well to stay in the game and get back into it and get the lead but, unfortunately, there was another error.
“However, the fight and mentality in the team was shown out there.
“We didn’t get the win but we can be proud of what we have done and it puts us in a good place going into the World Cup.”
Southgate insisted he will stick with error-prone Maguire until his position in the team becomes “untenable”.
Southgate said: “I know everybody will focus on Harry Maguire. That is always going to raise debate.
“In these moments, we have to back our best and most experienced players unless we are in a situation where it is almost untenable and impossible to pick them.
“I have to accept there will be huge amounts of noise around individual selections but if I am going to be wishy-washy and change my mind, then it is pointless of me doing it.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
