Germany 1-1 England: Late Kane penalty pegs back hosts

Harry Kane kept his nerve from the spot to bring up his half-century of goals for England and rescue a point despite an impressive Germany display in Munich.

Match in brief: Kane spot on for England

In a lively opening, Kai Havertz tested Jordan Pickford from a tight angle before Kyle Walker was forced into an important intervention to deny Thomas Müller a tap-in.

At the other end Kane stung the palms of Manuel Neuer with a vicious right-footed strike from just inside the box, before the Germany goalkeeper spilled a corner into the path of the England captain, who could only blast over.

Hofmann's powerful strike puts Germany aheadGetty Images

England looked to be in the ascendancy just before the break but fell behind shortly after the interval. Jonas Hofmann, who had earlier had a strike ruled out for offside, was afforded space in the area and, after collecting Joshua Kimmich's pass, powered in a fierce right-footed shot that Pickford could only help into the net.

Pickford had to be at his best to push Müller's half-volley around the post but it was Neuer who upped the goalkeeping stakes shortly after. Kane did well to reach Jack Grealish's inviting cross and tried to direct his strike out of the keeper's reach, but Neuer was perfectly positioned to deflect it away from danger.

The Tottenham man would not be denied and finally levelled with just two minutes remaining. Hauled down by Nico Schlotterbeck, Kane sent Neuer the wrong way from the spot to ensure the spoils were shared.

Philip Röber, match reporter

Germany were sharp in their passing game and managed to find space in areas that hurt England. Not only did they create the goal that way, but it also meant England’s hopes of hitting Germany on the counterattack didn't pan out. Hansi Flick's side will be annoyed with themselves not to have added a second when they were dominating, enabling the visitors to grab an equaliser.

Reaction

Hansi Flick, Germany coach: "We played a great match but didn't get our reward. We could have probably scored a second goal, but we played against an England side with an impressive attack. However, we showcased the kind of football that we envisage ourselves playing."

İlkay Gündoğan, Germany midfielder: "We showed some good movement, were very active and aggressive, and created chances. It is never possible to keep England out of the match entirely, but we were still the dominant team. Therefore it is a bit disappointing to concede a late equaliser."

Kane applauds the England fansGetty Images

Harry Kane, England captain: "It was a really nice feeling [to score]. I had a couple of chances earlier in the game, the first one went over the bar and Neuer made a good save for the second. I thought it was maybe going to be one of those days. It was important to show the mentality, going behind we showed good character to then get back into the game and get a result. We were playing against a very good Germany side. It shows where we are."

Kieran Trippier, England defender: "Harry stepped up as always. He is special. Fifty goals is incredible. He's a top pro, and great leader. Tonight is a positive result. The substitutes made a huge impact. We'll review the game and look forward to the next one."

Key stats

• Kane's spot kick was his 50th goal for England, taking him above Bobby Charlton and into second place in his country's all-time scoring charts, three behind Wayne Rooney.
• Müller won his 114th Germany cap, overtaking Philipp Lahm to go fifth in Die Mannschaft's all-time appearance makers.
• Hofmann has scored two goals in his last three internationals after finding the net only once in his opening nine games for Germany.
• Germany have won just two of their 12 UEFA Nations League matches.
• Die Mannschaft have conceded in each of their last 11 outings in this competition.
• Hansi Flick remains unbeaten in his 11 matches as Germany coach, drawing each of the last three 1-1.
• Germany's only loss in their last 14 internationals is the UEFA EURO 2020 defeat at the hands of England.

Line-ups

Germany: Neuer; Schlotterbeck, Rüdiger, Klostermann; J Hofmann (Gnabry 65), Gündoğan (Sané 84), Kimmich, Raum; Müller (Goretzka 75), Musiala (Werner 66); Havertz.

England: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier; Rice, Phillips (Bellingham 15); Saka (Bowen 80), Mount (Grealish 72), Sterling; Kane.

What happens after the UEFA Nations League group stage?

UEFA via Getty Images

The four group winners in League A will advance to the knockout finals with, in principle, one appointed as hosts. The semi-finals will be played on 14 and 15 June 2023 with the final and third-place play-off to follow on 18 June.

The teams finishing fourth in the groups in League A will be relegated to League B for the 2024/25 edition.