In Focus: Five key talking points from Germany 1-1 England

Luke Bissett
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Harry Kane bagged his 50th goal for England to level the score against Germany
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Harry Kane scored his 50th England goal from the penalty spot late on to earn a 1-1 draw with Germany in the Nations League at the Allianz Arena.

The hosts dominated the opening stages and were unlucky not to go ahead after Jonas Hofmann's first-half strike was disallowed.

Yet Hofmann gave Germany the lead early in the second half when he produced a stunning strike to beat Jordan Pickford from range.

But Kane salvaged a point by becoming just the second England player to reach a half-century after Wayne Rooney when he dispatched from the penalty spot in the 88th minute.

We take a look at five talking points from Gareth Southgate's side's draw in Munich.

Fifty not out

Kane's late penalty was his 50th Three Lions goal — moving him to just three behind Rooney's all-time England goalscoring record.

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The striker looked to have spurned his chance of a goal when Manuel Neuer produced a terrific save to deny the talisman a near-certain equaliser at the back post.

Yet it was Kane, 28, who made his own luck with just minutes to spare after being brought down by the trailing leg of Nico Schlotterbeck to win the spot-kick.

With two games remaining in the current international break, Kane will hope to eclipse Rooney's tally of 53 ahead of this year's World Cup.

Speaking afterwards, Kane said: "I love scoring goals, I have always loved it especially for my country. Whenever I can help the team I am glad to do that."

Harry Kane's goal means he is now second among England's all-time top scorers

Back four

Southgate has alternated between a three-man defence and a back four during his England reign.

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The Three Lions set out with a back three in Saturday's defeat to Hungary — but to no avail as they posed little threat going forward.

Southgate reverted to a back four in Munich, with Kyle Walker shifting out to the right-back slot and Kieran Trippier returning to his less-favoured left-back role.

Yet England were overrun once again. 

Thomas Muller and Jamal Musiala caused the visitors' defence numerous issues as they drifted between the lines unmarked.

Missing Musiala

Former England youth international Jamal Musiala scored five Bundesliga goals for Bayern Munich this season

If there were any hard feelings among England fans surrounding Musiala's Three Lions snub, they will have heightened following this display.

The midfielder — who played for the Three Lions at various age groups and earned two caps for England Under-21s — was superb in his advanced role behind striker Kai Havertz.

Musiala, 19, frequently ghosted in behind the England midfield and regularly lifted the Allianz Arena off their seats with his surges towards the Three Lions' defence.

The Stuttgart-born starlet looked wise beyond his years for Die Mannschaft and showed England exactly what they are missing.

Nearly as noticeable was Germany's lack of urgency after Musiala's substitution, as they lost control of the game following his 65th-minute exit.

Tepid Three Lions

Germany controlled possession in Munich while England came out on top for shots

It was another uninspiring performance from Southgate's men who have a single point from their first two Nations League games.

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England sat back for the majority of the encounter which allowed Germany to dictate through their high-flying wing-backs and tactically-aware forwards.

The Three Lions had few answers to Die Mannschaft's high press as they suffocated England's defence to prevent them playing out.

England's performance transformed in the final 20 minutes with their front-foot display salvaging a draw.

Southgate's troops began to create overloads in the wide positions while piling men into the box to show what can be achieved with a more forward-thinking approach.

Game-changer Grealish

Substitute Jack Grealish turned the game on its head following his 72nd-minute introduction.

The winger will have felt hard done-by to have started the game on the bench as he was also a substitute in the 1-0 loss to Hungary.

Yet the Manchester City star displayed his quality in his short time on the pitch at the Allianz Arena, making a number of tormenting runs.

Grealish played a terrific pass to fashion Kane's golden opportunity in the 77th minute before playing a huge part in the build-up that led to the Three Lions' penalty.

The attacker has surely staked his claim for a starting spot when England host Euro 2020 champions Italy at the weekend.

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UEFA Nations LeagueGermanyEngland

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