LOEW’S STILL FLYING HIGH WITH KIDS

ONCE they finally decided to start playing in the second half, the class told last night. Germany were never going to lose any sleep over their poor first-half display in Lukas Podolski’s testimonial. This was all about him. And, on his 130th and final appearance, the 32-year-old former Arsenal striker went out on a high. To be fair, the Germans have been snuffing out our fragile optimism for years. They are cruising to next year’s World Cup tournament. Four games, four wins, 16 goals scored and none conceded in Group C. Joachim Loew (left) has got his team settled, organised (naturally) and has another crop of outstanding talent maturing very nicely, thank you. Germany went through the motions while the Three Lions expressed themselves during the first half. Then the men in white squeezed the accelerator gently and that was that. The German FA and the Bundesliga work hand in glove to ensure that their promising young players get the game time that will benefit both organisations. They are reaping the benefits. They will see your Dele Alli, your Marcus Rashford and your John Stones and raise you Leroy Sane (top), Julian Brandt – who should have scored two minutes after the interval – and versatile 22-year-old defender Joshua Kimmich, eyed by Manchester City. They may not have sparkled here but we know that Sane has been outstanding for City in the Premier League. Brandt has been a key man for Dortmund and Bayern’s Kimmich was in UEFA’S team of the tournament at Euro 2016. Speaking ahead of his 130th and final appearance, Podolski pointed out the biggest difference between the two countries. Consistency. Over the last decade England have had six head coaches. Loew is entering his 11th year in charge. Ahead of this friendly the two FAS revealed they have signed a memorandum of understanding to share ideas about coaching, youth development and administration. England are more likely to learn more about the world champions from that kind of insight over a longer period than we are from this encounter.