Harry Kane scored what he thought was the winner as England came from two goals down to lead 3-2 against Germany on Monday – only for Germany to score a late equaliser, and John Terry praised the Tottenham man.
In an incredible second half of Nations League football, Kai Havertz curled in a gorgeous second for Germany. It came after Ilkay Gundogan had scored from the penalty spot in the first half. But a tweak in tactics, and England responded.
Luke Shaw got one back with a neat finish from close range. Moments later, substitutes Bukayo Saka and Mason Mount combined – Mount lashing home a gorgeous, first-time shot. Then, VAR ruled Jude Bellingham had been fouled.
It saw Tottenham star Kane step up, in front of nearly 80,000 supporters at Wembley, to put his side 3-2 up from the spot. A perfect penalty, into the top corner. Havertz made it 3-3, capitalising on a mistake from Newcastle’s Nick Pope.
Terry has praised Tottenham man Kane after penalty in enthralling draw
The pressure on Gareth Southgate’s shoulders had been mounting, and it would have been daunting for the England boss if Germany suffered a defeat. But his tactical tweaks injected positivity and belief, and England looked good.
Indeed, heading to the World Cup with a much-improved performance will give Southgate, the players and fans hope. Of course, England always have a huge weapon in their armoury when Kane gets the ball in the penalty area.
In what was his 75th cap for England, Kane netted his 51st goal for the Three Lions. If the Three Lions are to have any hope of success in Qatar, Kane will be crucial – and playing to his strengths will get the best out of Southgate’s men.
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