Germany vs England a few quick thoughts
Dan Tracey
March 27, 2016
1,922 Views
- As International Friendlies go it has to be said that was a decent one
- England showed they certainly can’t be underestimated going into EURO 2016
- They showed great desire to come back from 2-0 down to get what must be said a deserved 3-2 win
- A fantastic result but I feel that you can’t get overly excited as we’ve fallen into the trap over optimism too many times before
- But at the same time it does make you think there is a really talented crop of players at Roy Hodgson’s disposal
- England looked sharp throughout the game but it’s fair to say that they lacked the vital composure required in the final third of the pitch, they were snatching at shots and more often than not Manuel Neuer was going untested
- Dele Alli and Harry Kane restored their Tottenham connection with some great link up but in the first half they didn’t get their just rewards
- England had a let off after half an hour when Mario Gomez found the back of the net but was wrongly given as Offside. Replays showed that Nathanial Clyne had actually played him Onside
- A let off for Roy Hodgson’s side
- But they weren’t to go in at half time on at least an even keel as Toni Kroos put the home side ahead
- It all stemmed from an unfortunate injury to Jack Butland a minute before, he was then pressured into a clearance but was still visibly injured
- He was obviously preoccupied with that but Kroos saw the opportunity and manage to fire a shot from outside the box which beat Butland at his near post. Had Butland not been injured he would have more than likely saved that
- First blood to Germany and the end of the night for Butland. He was stretched off and replaced by Fraser Forster. Mark Hughes will now be concerned as to how long Butland is out for as that could make a serious dent to their hopes of finishing in a Europa League position.
- After the break England still looked lively but again still lacked that composure in the final third
- Manuel Neuer was getting tested more but they were opportunist efforts at the best
- The night then seemingly went from bad to worse for England as Mario Gomez finally got on the score sheet and doubled Germany’s advantage
- A perfectly weighted cross was offered to Gomez on a plate who simply had to out jump an out of position Clyne to put Germany clear in front and you’d think that would have all but wrapped up the game
- But cue England’s young Lions and arguably the best 30 minutes of Football that England have produced in at least a decade
- Firstly Harry Kane gave the perfect tribute to Johan Cruyff, his Cruyff Turn sold 3 Defenders while then a perfectly placed shot through the legs of Emre Can left Manuel Neuer rooted to the spot as the shot bounced in off the post. Germany’s advantage cut in half
- Then with Danny Welbeck looking tired and Roy Hodgson deciding to change the shape of the team, Welbeck and Adam Lallana were bought off for Jamie Vardy and Ross Barkley
- We only had to wait 3 minutes to see the positive effect of the substitutions as Jamie Vardy managed to get his first ever goal for England and what a goal it was
- Nathanial Clyne put in a low cross and with Vardy gambling to go to the near post his audacious back heel found it’s way past Neuer. Parity restored and no more than England deserved
- At that point a Draw would have been a very creditable result but England had other ideas
- They should have won it in the 84th Minute, England’s pressing game was non stop and they pressured Manuel Neuer into a sloppy pass which eventually presented itself to Dele Alli
- They only thing he did wrong all that and it was missing an open goal. Alli beat the ground in frustration as it seemed as if England’s chance of a fantastic comeback had been blown
- But if one Tottenham Midfielder spurned his opportunity then the other one took his perfectly
- Jordan Henderson’s corners weren’t very effective throughout the game but he saved the best for last. A slightly lower one this time around found Eric Dier unmarked and he powered the ball home to give England a remarkable win against the World Champions
- Euphoria in Berlin and back at home in front rooms across the country
- Wayne Rooney would perhaps been watching with a bit more interest, the questions will now be asked whether we need him or not
- With Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy both getting on the scoresheet he certainly wasn’t missed
- Danny Rose had a decent enough debut if unspectacular, whether he will start again on Tuesday remains to be seen
- I expect there will be wholesale changes for Tuesday’s game so that Hodgson can see the other players in his squad
- One thing I would say and you will have to excuse my Tottenham bias. I think without question Eric Dier and Dele Alli both have to start for England in the Tournament proper
- I think they were both excellent last night. Alli for the things you remember but it’s Dier’s contribution that you almost forget about because it’s just those simple things that are so effective and done so well
- Focus now shifts to Wembley on Tuesday and the visit of Holland. Optimism will certainly high and it will be even higher if we can bit another of the old adversaries
- England expects but lets remember to not expect too much too soon.
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