Germany vs England player ratings: Harry Kane, Eric Dier and Nathaniel Clyne give nod to England's future

Man-for-man marking from England's 3-2 victory over Germany

Jack de Menezes
Sunday 27 March 2016 00:29 GMT
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England fought back from a two-goal deficit to beat reigning World Cup holders Germany 3-2 and give their Euro 2016 hopes a genuine boost following a successful night’s work in Berlin.

The Three Lions made an impressive start in the Olympiastadion, but Germany would take the lead after an unfortunate injury struck goalkeeper Jack Butland. The Stoke City ‘keeper hurt his right ankle when diving for a loose ball, and while he struggled with the discomfort of returning to his line, Germany midfielder Toni Kroos fired a long-range effort that beat Butland at his near post.

It would prove to be Butland’s last act in the match as he was carried off the pitch on a stretcher, with Southampton’s Fraser Forster replacing him.

Veteran striker Mario Gomez doubled the lead in the second half as he timed his leap over Gary Cahill to perfection, meeting Sami Khedira’s chipped cross with a powerful header to send the ball past Forster.

However, inspired by Tottenham striker Harry Kane, England launched a stern fightback. Kane started it when he took down a deflected corner, before performing a neat 'Cruyff turn' – which carried enormous sentimental value given the passing of the Dutch legend on Thursday – before firing the ball past Manuel Neuer and into the side of the goal.

England manager Roy Hodgson decided to send on Leicester striker Jamie Vardy and he came up trumps immediately. Nathaniel Clyne crossed the ball from the right flank, and Vardy instinctively back-heeled the ball into the net with his first touch.

England would’ve settled for the draw, but they could smell blood and had reason to celebrate when Eric Dier headed the ball into the net to complete the remarkable turnaround.

So who performed brightest in a stunning night in Berlin? Click on the gallery above to find out.

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