HARD LUK GARETH
Harsh lesson for new boss as Germany legend makes Three Lions pay for missed chances
GARETH SOUTHGATE was given a swift reminder about the harsh realities of international football.
No matter how well England play against Germany, they tend to lose to their biggest football enemy. And they were beaten only by a “worldy” from Lukas Podolski, whose 68thminute thunderbolt provided a fairytale ending to an incredible career. This friendly was like a testimonial in his honour and it was perhaps fitting he scored the winner, even if it was hard on England and, in particular, Southgate in his first game since taking over as permanent manager. But those are the breaks against Germany. At least it was not a penalty shoot-out this time. Southgate knows all about those having missed from the spot against Germany in Euro 96. He can however hold his head high this time, disappointed but encouraged by glimpses of a new era for his team. One player stood out like a beacon and the fact Dele Alli did so against the world champions in their own backyard was another reminder of his outrageous talent. England have a potentially world-class talent on their hands, a player to inspire and lift a generation after far too long in the doldrums. No wonder Alli is becoming the poster boy of English football. His raw enthusiasm and determination lifted him above every other player on the pitch. Yes, he should have scored, yes it felt like a testimonial at times and yes Germany were fielding something of a second string line-up. But this was an all-round performance to give England genuine hope of a fresh start under Southgate, when players are given a chance rather than judged on reputations. It was refreshing
International friendly LUKAS PODOLSKI punished Gareth Southgate’s muchimproved England side with a screamer in his farewell game. The ex-arsenal forward marked his 130th and final Germany appearance in style by hammering in his 49th international goal from 25 yards. It ended Southgate’s