The Fan

Engand defeat highlights problems at both ends for McLaren

The Editor — Thu, August 23rd 2007

England 1 - Germany 2

After an encouraging start England faded to defeat to an understrength Germany, leaving the the hosts still looking for there first victory at the new Wembley.

England, opened promisingly with Cole, Richards and Lampard compensating from midfield for a weak forward line of Smith and an unfit Owen. A burst down the right from Richards, playing in a more advanced position than Beckham, allowed Lampard space in the box to fire home inside Lehman’s near post.

But England failed to maintain the momentum. A right wing cross caught England goalkeeper Robinson off guard, and in keeping the ball out of the net at the near post, could only leave it inthe six yard box for an easy tap on for Kuranyi. A fantastic strike from Pander gave Germany the lead before half time after a loose pass out of defence by Terry.

The second half saw some Eriksson-like bewildering substitutions, and England never managed to regain their impetus, but could have scored on a number of occasions, Dyer missing from close range being the most obvious chance.

Listed in: Countries, England, Germany

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