England grab dramatic late winner to beat Germany

England roared back from two goals down to seal a hugely-impressive 3-2 victory over Germany in their international friendly at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.

Germany had gone into a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Toni Kroos and Mario Gomez, the first as a result of an injury to keeper Jack Butland.

But a fantastic individual goal by Harry Kane, set up by a Cruyff turn and finish into the far corner, and backheeled flick at the near post by sub Jamie Vardy pulled England level.

The brilliant Dele Alli blazed over with the goal at his mercy but England still found time to win it as Eric Dier headed home Jordan Henderson’s cross in stoppage time.

Butland had saved England earlier in the match with a brave stop at the feet of Mats Hummels but a moment of indecision cost him dear.

The keeper – in for the injured Joe Hart – injured himself in making a clearance and hadn’t fully recovered in time to position himself properly to save Kroos’ shot, which beat him at the near post.

It was tough on England, who arguably had the better of much of the first half in terms of attacking threats, although they were fortunate to see the linesman come to the rescue to rule out a Gomez goal when replays showed Nathaniel Clyne playing him onside.

It looked a tall order for England when Gomez headed Germany 2-0 ahead with little over half an hour remaining but England’s dramatic turnaround means they have won on their last three visits to Germany.

Their next match is against Holland at Wembley on Tuesday.

Kane’s Cruyff tribute sparks comeback: Only a couple of days after the legendary Dutch master sadly passed away, Harry Kane’s brilliant drag back and shot gave England a lifeline. He later mentioned that it was indeed a ‘Cruyff turn’ and a tribute to the great man. Surely he can’t have planned that!

Dele Alli (England): Created space and chances aplenty and had the German defence in knots. Forced Neuer into two great saves and should have scored to cap a great performance.

Germany: Neuer 6, Can 5, Rüdiger 6, Hummels 6, Hector 6, Kroos 7, Khedira 7, Müller 6, Özil 6, Reus 6, Gomez 7. SUBS: Tah 6, Schurrle 6, Podolski 6, Gotze 6.

England: Butland 6, Rose 6, Cahill 6, Smalling 6, Clyne 7, Dier 7, Henderson 7, Lallana 6, Alli 8, Welbeck 6, Kane 7. SUBS: Forster 6, Vardy 7, Barkley 6.

13’ – SAVE BUTLAND: The England keeper races out to deny Hummels at his feet.

27’ – GOAL RULED OUT: Mario Gomez looks to have put Germany ahead but the linesman’s flag goes up. Replays show Clyne playing him on.

43’ - GOAL! Germany 1-0 England: How unfortunate for Jack Butland, who twists his ankle in making a clearance. He hasn’t fully recovered in time to position himself properly to save Kroos’ shot, which beats him at the near post.

57’ – GOAL! Germany 2-0 England: Gomez heads home Khedira’s excellent ball.

61’ – GOAL! Germany 2-1 England: Harry Kane gives England a lifeline, a Cruyff turn setting himself for an excellent finish inside the far corner.

68’ – SAVE NEUER: Only an outstretched boot from the German keeper denies Alli.

74’ – GOAL! Germany 2-2 England: A fantastic flick from Vardy at the near post with virtually his first touch pulls England level.

84’ – BIG CHANCE ALLI: He should put England ahead but blazes over from a few yards out from Vardy’s cross.

90+1’ – GOAL! Germany 2-3 England: Eric Dier wins it, thumping home a near post header from Henderson’s cross.

Jamie Vardy scores his first goal for England.

Danny Rose is the 33rd England player to make his international debut under Roy Hodgson.

England have now won on each of their last three visits to Germany (5-1 in September 2001 and 2-1 in November 2008 before today).

England haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their last seven meetings against Germany (W3 L4)

England have lost just one of their last 17 internationals