Germany 1-1 England: Main Talking Points As England Manage To Muster A Point In Munich

In a showdown between two of Europe’s biggest rivals on Tuesday night, England managed to salvage a late point in Munich as they played out a 1-1 draw against Germany.

However, while Harry Kane’s 88th-minute penalty might have seen the Three Lions snatch their first Nations League point at the second attempt, Gareth Southgate’s side once again largely failed to impress.

Watching Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Jonas Hofmann hand Germany a deserved lead just five minutes after the restart, the former world champions will be disappointed to have not dragged themselves over the finish line.

In what was a repeat of last summer’s European Championship showdown at Wembley, we have taken a look at the main talking points following an enjoyable night at the Allianz Arena.

The pressure remains on Southgate

Making the trip out to Hungary for their Nations League opener last weekend, many had tipped Southgate’s young lions to really open this year’s adventure with a flurry on foreign soil.

However, eventually hit with a shocking 1-0 loss – their first defeat against Hungary in 60 years – Southgate’s decision to play five at the back in Budapest certainly saw him come under some criticism.

Watching their nine-match unbeaten run come to an abrupt end and making the trip out to Germany seeking an immediate boost, the one-time Aston Villa defender once again cut a frustrated figure.

Taking the decision to make a host of changes on Tuesday night and fielding his oldest starting XI from throughout his tenure in charge, England were largely second best across the Allianz pitch.

While second-half substitutes Jack Grealish and Jarrod Bowen might have made an impact after coming off the bench, Southgate’s attacking issues will see him come under the microscope.

With many billing this as arguably England’s ‘golden generation’, some have suggested that the 51-year-old’s often defensive-minded approach will not help the Three Lions claim their first international crown since 1966.

Germany show their improvements under Flick

Although Germany might have been rightfully left disappointed to have not collected all three points on Tuesday night, the former world champions have made some clear improvements since appointing Hansi Flick.

Making the call to part ways with long-term boss Joachim Löw back in March after his 17 years with the national team, there was plenty of excitement around Germany when the one-time Bayern Munich manager was handed the reigns.

Taking a more than deserved lead just five minutes after the half-time break as Hofmann’s effort found a way past Jordan Pickford, there is no doubt that Flick has taken Die Mannschaft in a new direction.

Without a host of stars that featured at last summer’s European Championships, Flick’s call to hand youth a chance has seen his transitioning squad receive plenty of praise.

While Germany might still be waiting for their first Nations League victory, ex-England starlet Jamal Musiala showed why he is such an important part of Flick’s plans.

Making the call to commit his international obligations to Germany last year, the Bayern Munich starlet was at the heart of everything good that Tuesday’s hosts produced.

Kane makes more Three Lions’ history

Although Kane might have come under his own criticism following England’s 1-0 loss against Hungary last weekend, England’s skipper did manage to drag his side to a hard-fought point here.

Denied by what was a stunning save from Manuel Neuer as his close-range effort spun inches wide with 15 minutes left on the clock, the Tottenham ace eventually managed to find a way past the Bayern Munich shot-stopper.

Handed the chance to make more Three Lions’ history from the penalty spot just moments before the final whistle, Kane didn’t pass up on his opportunity as he calmly sent Neuer the wrong way.

Becoming just the second English striker to reach 50 goals on what was a milestone night for the 28-year-old, he also managed to move ahead of Sir Bobby Charlton.

Bagging 17 Premier League goals as Spurs clinched a Champions League return this season, Kane now finds himself within touching distance of becoming England’s all-time leading goalscorer.

With a repeat of last summer’s European Championship final against Italy on the cards for Saturday night, Kane now sits just three strikes behind equaling Wayne Rooney’s record.

Match Report:

Germany: Neuer, Klostermann, Rudiger, Schlotterbeck, Hofmann, Kimmich, Gundogan, Raum, Muller, Musiala, Havertz

Subs: Goretzka, Werner, Gnabry, Sane

England: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier, Phillips, Rice, Saka, Mount, Sterling, Kane

Subs: Grealish, Bellingham, Bowen

Goals: Germany: Hofmann (50′) – England: Kane (pen 88′)

Yellow Cards: Schlotterbeck

Red Cards: N/A

Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande