England and Germany played an exciting second half in their UEFA Nations League final as both teams managed to draw.
Despite trailing 2-0 with over 70 minutes played, the Three Lions roared to take the lead against Germany, 3-2, in the 83rd minute. However, Kai Havertz silenced a boisterous Wembley Stadium after Nick England’s Pope spilled a shot from Timo Werner just four minutes after Harry Kane had taken the lead.
That Havertz goal was actually his second of the match. He calmly scored a gem of a goal from outside the box into the top corner to put Germany up 2-0 in the second half.
However, the story of this game is England’s comeback, particularly given the team’s struggles in this UEFA Nations League campaign. Goals from Luke Shaw and Mason Mount equalized the hosts. Harry Kane’s penalty then gave England their first lead of their six games in this version of the Nations League.
WHO ELSE BUT HARRY KANE ????
ENGLAND COMES BACK FROM TWO DOWN
????: FS1 pic.twitter.com/nTa4xUYrWw
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) September 26, 2022
It was a remarkable game. Or, at least, a remarkable second half. Despite all the excitement, the game raised more eyebrows for both sides, England in particular.
England’s tie with Germany shows holes
England’s three goals brightened what was a dismal campaign in the Nations League. Not only did England suffer relegation to UEFA Nations League B, they also scored just four goals in six matches. Remember, three of them came in the second half against Germany. Also, two of those four goals were from Harry Kane’s penalty beyond the 80th minute.
England have just gone six competitive games without a win for the first time in 29 years. For a team aiming to improve on their fourth-place finish at Russia 2018, the Nations League did no more favors than expose their flaws.
Starting from the top, Harry Kane looked goalless. The Spurs star started five of the six group stage games, playing 90 minutes each time. He scored twice in those 450 minutes of playing time, both on penalties. All around him, wingers like Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka and Jarrod Bowen lacked the creativity to contribute. It was a boring front three, remarkably deadlocked in each of the games until the last 25 minutes against Germany.
Photo: IMAGO
In midfield, Jude Bellingham remains a shining light for England. The teenager is perhaps England’s most important player as he transitions from attack to defence. He also scored the crucial penalty on Monday to give Kane England’s third.
Foul by Trent Alexander-Arnold
In defence, a notable omission was that of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. The reason for dropping the defender is probably due to his playing with his club. Of course, Alexander-Arnold is far from perfect when it comes to defense. Poor performances against Manchester United and Napoli did him no favours.
However, with an offense struggling like England have, someone with the passing ability and the ability to make a play come to life like Trent Alexander-Arnold has is invaluable. Also, if form is an issue for Gareth Southgate, Harry Maguire should be in the same position as Alexander-Arnold. The Manchester United captain recklessly gave away the penalty to Germany. Then he is the one who gave the ball away when Germany scored their second.
Luke Shaw showed that you don’t have to be too active with the club to make a difference with the international team. He scored a rare goal as England started the comeback and capped off a strong performance.
Southgate now have a couple of months to see what their players can show at club level. Can Maguire earn himself a starting spot, Trent return to the side and England finally find creative outlets at the top that are reliable?
Time is running out for these decisions. With less than two months to go until the World Cup opener against Iran, England won’t play a game as a team until that game in Doha.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Baumann press photo
