England lost 1-0 to Germany through Lukas Podoski's long range brilliant strike in the international friendly played yesterday at Dortmund, Germany. Podolski's spectacular second-half winner provided a fitting farewell to his Germany career in Dortmund.
Podolski's belting goal was outstanding because it was the winning goal and last goal in his last match for Germany in an enjoyable match against an impressive England
England's Jamie Vardy was the first to have a real sniff at goal and might have had a penalty early on had it not looked so much like he jumped into goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen upon touching the ball out of reach.
That was just the beginning of a very promising start from the visiting side, who were having some success in their blue away kit and firmly tested the Germans with a series of close shaves inside the hosts' half.
Gareth Southgate’s first game in charge after being appointed England’s permanent manager ended in defeat, a loss inflicted by Lukas Podolski who scored his 49th and final goal as he retired from international football.
The Southgate re-boot did not deal with Podolski’s left boot. But then it was an extraordinary goal. A brilliant goal in which to bow out and it was the 31-year-old’s 49th for his country in what was his 130th and last appearance. The striker was even afforded music as he was substituted before the end – the theme from the ‘Gladiator’ movie – and indulged in the slowest lap of honour ever after the final whistle.
Southgate had been undefeated in four games as interim manager following Sam Allardyce's abrupt departure from the England post after one match - and he will feel this loss in his first match in permanent control was harsh on his side after a creditable performance against the World Cup holders.
Adam Lallana struck a post and Dele Alli saw a shot blocked at point-blank range by Germany keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the first half as England were superior for spells.
Germany's reshaped side had the same experimental appearance as England's but there was still plenty to satisfy manager Southgate in a losing cause.
The result will hurt because for a large portion of this game England were the more creative, threatening and energetic side.
Southgate, though, will reflect on a three-man defensive system that worked effectively - although it was not put to the test too often by a Germany team who rarely went through the gears.
Burnley's Michael Keane made an assured debut, almost scoring in the opening minutes, and while the attacking system occasionally left Jamie Vardy isolated it did allow Alli and Lallana to flourish and advance into dangerous positions.
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