Germany 1-1 England: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• Great game by Germany marred by awful refereeing. The Germans had England’s number all game and should’ve scored more to be honest. A draw is really harsh on the team.
• Hansi Flick’s subs destabilized the midfield and it allowed England back into the game.
• In terms of actual positives — David Raum and Jonas Hofmann are clear starting quality players. Raum especially is looking like Flick’s new Phonzie. He was terrorizing England’s right flank today.
• The referee tackling Gundogan on the edge of the English penalty box says it all about his performance tonight. Absolutely appalling.
• Joshua Kimmich barely put a foot wrong tonight, and his assist for Hofmann’s goal was sublime. Good to see his form coming back.

Full time: Germany draw another game 1-1.

87’ — Goal. Kane scores from the spot. How did the ref even give that? There was no way that Schlotterbeck made contact.

75’ — Subs: Leon Goretzka on for Thomas Muller.

65’ — Subs: Werner and Gnabry on for Musiala and Hofmann.

51’ — GOAL! 51Jonas Hofmann fires past the keeper courtesy of a fine through-ball by Joshua Kimmich.

45’ — The second half is underway!

Halftime observations and analysis

• David Raum and Jonas Hofmann have given life to this German team. Raum especially has been causing England a whole host of problems on the left, and if a goal comes, it’s probably going to be from him.
• Jamal Musiala has had a fine outing so far. He could have had a goal or two if not for some bad luck and good keeping by Pickford.
• Germany have a great plan to force England to pass back to their keeper and then have him send it long. It’s responsible for most of their turnovers in this game. Flick’s attack has an uncanny ability to tighten a net around Pickford when he has the ball.
• Schlotterbeck has not been quite as impressive as Sule in the last game. Maybe it shows that there’s still a hierarchy in the German setup.
• Germany’s attack can probably afford to be a little more adventurous.

Halftime: Germany still scoreless at the half.

22’ — Hofmann scores, but it’s ruled offside.

14’ — Sub: For England, Jude Bellingham comes on for the injured Calvin Phillips.

Kickoff: The teams are underway at the Allianz Arena!

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Looks like Hansi Flick HAS opted to start Thomas Muller and Kai Havertz together like fans wanted, plus putting Jamal Musiala in the starting XI. Nico Schlotterbeck comes in for Niklas Sule, while both Jonas Hofmann and David Raum start as potential wingbacks. Could this be a back-three formation?

Miss Bayern Munich? Well, this is the closest you’re getting this summer, as Germany take on England at the Allianz Arena. If you think of this as the second leg of Euros game then there’s plenty of incentive for the Germans to go out there and give it their all.

Hansi Flick probably has a good idea of what works and what doesn’t after his outing against Italy, so the Germans can expect some changes to the lineup. Jonas Hofmann could be the major game-changing addition, as the Gladbach midfielder added the spark that was missing from the Germans in the first half of the Italy game. Other than that, expect the usual Bayern Munich contingent — Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, etc. — to get their starts, with either Kai Havertz or Timo Werner up top (or maybe both).

Is Flick learning his lessons? Let’s find out.

While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out the latest episode of our podcast? We talked about the Italy game in-depth and what Flick can do to improve Germany’s chances. Listen to it below or at this link.

Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Time: 8:45 pm local time, 2:45 pm EST

TV/streaming: Find Your Country

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