Vardy, Kane, Dele Alli Shine As England Fightback To Beat Germany

Posted by African Examiner Sports News Saturday, March 26th, 2016

England staged a magnificent comeback to beat World Cup holders Germany 3-2 as manager Roy Hodgson’s new breed excelled in Berlin.

Germany looked to have spoiled a promising England display with goals either side of the interval – Toni Kroos’ long-range shot deceiving keeper Jack Butland, who was then carried off injured, before Mario Gomez headed past his deputy Fraser Forster.

England, with 19-year-old Dele Alli magnificent, responded in style through Harry Kane’s low finish and Jamie Vardy’s first international goal, an audacious 74th-minute flick at the near post from Nathaniel Clyne’s cross.

A draw would have done a makeshift England side credit but, after Alli missed an easy chance, his Spurs team-mate Eric Dier powered home an injury-time header from Jordan Henderson’s corner.

It may only have been a friendly, but this was the perfect result and morale-booster for Hodgson and England as they put their plans in place for Euro 2016 in France this summer.

Alli’s touch of class

Alli claimed many pre-match headlines as the 19-year-old Spurs midfielder,winning only his fifth cap, drew comparisons with the great former England captain Bryan Robson for his all-action style in midfield.

It was a label that came with caution attached to one so young but Alli lived up to the hype here with a performance that made him the game’s outstanding player.

Alli has a natural link with his Spurs team-mate Kane that will bring riches to club and country over the years but it was his work in all areas of the pitch that will have surely made him a certain Euro 2016 starter.

There will be marks off for a bad late miss, after he was set up by Vardy, but his day will come and he was only denied goals by two fine saves from Germany keeper Manuel Neuer.

If they are good enough, they are old enough – and Alli is good enough.