Mertesacker heads Germany to victory in England

Per Mertesacker scored six minutes before the interval as Germany recorded their third consecutive Wembley success against England. 

The visitors strolled to a crushing 4-1 victory when the sides last met at the 2010 FIFA World Cup but were made to work harder this time round. Arsenal FC defender Mertesacker settled a contest which only really sparked into life in the second period when he converted Toni Kroos's corner.

England's early enthusiasm – personified by winger Andros Townsend – faded when a flurry of corners resulted in Mertesacker planting an unstoppable header past Joe Hart moments after the England goalkeeper had produced a fine fingertip save to deny the same player. Steven Gerrard led the response, his venomous shot disturbing the top of the net after being teed up by Townsend.

Germany resumed with intent, Mario Götze beguiling the hosts and slipping in Marco Reus, who fired into the legs of Hart. At the other end, Townsend drifted in from the right and struck a post with a sweetly executed effort from the edge of the area. As Roy Hodgson's men poured forward in search of an equaliser, Sidney Sam had the chance to put the result beyond doubt but shot narrowly over when one-on-one with Hart.