The first goal triggered a fast-paced and spectacular encounter. The hosts got better and better as the game progressed, but were repeatedly denied from scoring by Ter Stegen. The German keeper saved Danny Ings’ powerful long-range drive (33’) and, only a minute later, pulled off a fantastic reflex save to deny James Ward-Prowse from levelling. However, England’s pressure finally told and they grabbed the equaliser, courtesy of Jesse Lingard’s strike (34‘).
Germany get off to a flying start after the break
Hrubesch made two attacking changes at the break with Jushua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry coming on in place of Leitner and Bittencourt. His substitutions paid dividends as his team made the perfect start to the second half. Hofmann restored Germany’s lead when he coolly and clinically finished from Korb’s cross (49‘).
The hosts, far from being intimidated by the setback, put the German defence under pressure and secured victory with two late goals. Nathan Redmond struck lucky with the equaliser (79‘). His effort was deflected, leaving Ter Stegen helpless. Only three minutes later, Ward-Prowse had all the freedom he wanted in the penalty box and delivered the decisive blow, slotting home to secure England a 3-2 victory.
The European Championship will take place from the 17th-30th June in the Czech Republic. Germany are in Group A and will face Denmark, Serbia and the hosts.
The German U21 team’s final dress rehearsal ahead of this summer’s European Championship didn’t go to plan. Horst Hrubesch’s team narrowly lost an exciting game 3-2 to England in Middlesbrough.
Philipp Hofmann celebrated his 22nd birthday by twice firing Germany into the lead (15‘/49‘), but England underlined their European Championship title ambitions through goals from Lingard (34‘), Redmond (79’) and Ward-Prowse (82’). Ter Stegen starred for Germany, making some fine saves during the course of the game, but couldn't prevent the defeat.
"I'm not disappointed and think that it was a top game," analysed Horst Hrubesch after the final whistle. "We failed to close the game out both in the first half and after we took the lead for a second time. We will need to cope with a similar level of intensity in the Czech Republic. Overall, I'm pleased with both friendlies. The team has performed well and have seen what we will come up against at the European Championship." Goal scorer Hofmann echoed his manager's words of encourgament. "It has been really great in England. Despite the defeat, we're going home feeling good about ourselves and our performance."
Hrubesch makes several changes to the starting line-up
As previously announded, Hrubesch made a host of changes to the team which drew 2-2 with Italy on Friday. Barcelona’s Marc-André Ter Stegen replaced the recently injured Bernd Leno in goal. In the back four, only World Champion Matthias Ginter kept his place with Julian Korb, Robin Knoche and Christian Günter completing the defence.
Liverpool‘s Emre Can and captain Moritz Leitner occupied the holding midfielder roles. Max Meyer took up the position of playmaker inbetween the unchanged wingers Bittencourt and Younes. Philipp Hofmann replaced Kevin Volland and spearheaded the attack.
Hofmann bags a brace
It was a cautious start by both teams in front of 30,178 spectators in the Riverside Stadium. Birthday boy Philipp Hofmann put an end to the subdued start with an outstanding solo effort 15 minutes in. Hofmann controlled Günter’s cross brilliantly on his chest before rifling home to make it 1-0.
The first goal triggered a fast-paced and spectacular encounter. The hosts got better and better as the game progressed, but were repeatedly denied from scoring by Ter Stegen. The German keeper saved Danny Ings’ powerful long-range drive (33’) and, only a minute later, pulled off a fantastic reflex save to deny James Ward-Prowse from levelling. However, England’s pressure finally told and they grabbed the equaliser, courtesy of Jesse Lingard’s strike (34‘).
Germany get off to a flying start after the break
Hrubesch made two attacking changes at the break with Jushua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry coming on in place of Leitner and Bittencourt. His substitutions paid dividends as his team made the perfect start to the second half. Hofmann restored Germany’s lead when he coolly and clinically finished from Korb’s cross (49‘).
The hosts, far from being intimidated by the setback, put the German defence under pressure and secured victory with two late goals. Nathan Redmond struck lucky with the equaliser (79‘). His effort was deflected, leaving Ter Stegen helpless. Only three minutes later, Ward-Prowse had all the freedom he wanted in the penalty box and delivered the decisive blow, slotting home to secure England a 3-2 victory.
The European Championship will take place from the 17th-30th June in the Czech Republic. Germany are in Group A and will face Denmark, Serbia and the hosts.
