Nations League: Germany and England neutralize each other, Italy wins against Hungary

In the shock of the second day of the League of Nations, Germany, generally dominating, was surprised at the end of the meeting by England who equalized on a penalty from Harry Kane (88th). The Mannschaft had opened the scoring through Jonas Hofmann who, in the 51st minute, took advantage of the passivity of the Three Lions defense and a very clever pass from Joshua Kimmich to score from the heart of the area. The strike in force of the offensive player from Gladbach had come to crown a clear domination of Germany, more enterprising and better in place collectively throughout the meeting. But Hansi Flick’s men ended up giving way under the opposing waves and had to settle for a draw, like Saturday against Italy (1-1).
After its surprise defeat in Hungary on Saturday (0-1), the English selection avoided the worst but it still has work ahead of it to hope to regain its momentum of a year ago, when it reached the final of the Euro and handily dismissed Germany (2-0) in the round of 16. In this game where coaches experimented – a four-man defense for Gareth Southgate, seven changes in the starting XI from the game against Italy for Hansi Flick – the first half was rhythmic, intense, open, but rich in individual errors and poor in clear chances. Disturbed by the injury exit of Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the 15th minute, the English were incisive at times – two strikes from Kane, one on target (7th), the other not (26th) and a good save de Neuer against the stirring Saka (43rd) – but, above all, dominated by draft Germans in attack. The Bayern nugget Jamel Musiala, 19, passed through the youth selections in England but great hope of the Mannschaft, twirled, dared, tried but in front, the last German passes too often failed in a vacuum. Jonas Hofmann goalscorer against England. (Reuters) In the second half, Hofmann’s goal finally sealed German domination. And the KO goal was not far away, first by Thomas Muller, who, alone at the far post, without the firm hand of Pickford, would have scored (69th), then by Kai Havertz, who missed his face-to-face. face ten minutes later. And then, carried by the good entry of Grealish, the English threw all their forces into the battle and had several equalizing balls, in particular, by Kane, already, frustrated by the remarkable stop of Neuer (76th). The Tottenham striker scored his 50th national goal ten minutes later (three short of Rooney’s record) which saved the day. On Saturday, the Three Lions host Italy in hopes of showing more consistency, while Germany, unbeaten for seven matches, travel to Hungary. For its part, Italy, after its draw against Germany on Saturday (1-1), has reassured itself in its reconstruction operation and even takes the lead of the group. Goals from Barella (30th) and Pellegrini (45th) allowed him to win against Hungary (2-1) who reduced the score in the 61st minute with an own goal from Mancini. La Nazionale were able to rely on a very good Donnarumma to maintain the advantage in the last half hour.