Sane: Give Pep the credit
0 ENGLAND made light of their injury worries as World Cup preparations got off to a promising start, with Gareth Southgate’s young side fighting out a spirited goalless draw with Germany.
The first friendly in the build-up to Russia 2018 could have been thrown off kilter by the withdrawal of seven players, yet a youthful Three Lions line-up took their chances to impress against the reigning world champions.
England’s inexperienced side produced entertainment that was all too rare during qualification, with Southgate’s men showing endeavour, creativity and steel as the friendly against Germany ended 0-0.
There was also a scare for United as Phil Jones had to come off through injury.
Questions over Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater’s commitment dominated the build-up to a match that saw two players on loan from the Premier League champions make promising debuts.
Tammy Abraham proved a handful during his first 60 minutes of international football and man of the match Ruben Loftus-Cheek flourished under the Wembley floodlights, as did fellow debutant Jordan Pickford. The Everton goalkeeper may have only been able to watch on helplessly as City’s Leroy Sane hit the bar, but he proved the scourge of Timo Werner – in a first half that saw Phil Jones limp off.
The United defender could well become the eighth withdrawal from England’s initial squad, but the other absentees gave Southgate an encouraging insight into the strength in depth at his disposal.
As the game reached its final phase England appeared to be wearying, their pressing less vibrant and the runners less eager to attack space.
Southgate replaced both fullbacks, adding energy in City’s Kyle Walker, and Ryan Bertrand, while opposite number Joachim Low sent for Sandro Wagner and Emre Can.
England might have snatched victory with the last kick of the game, with Reds Jesse Lingard lashing over after Maguire nodded Loftus-Cheek’s free-kick back into the danger area.
Joe Gomez and Jack Cork also made their debuts as Eric Dier captained his country on an experimental evening that sets things up nicely for Brazil’s visit on Tuesday.