England fall to Germany in UEFA Nations League opener
England lose 1-0 at home to Germany
England lost 1-0 at home to Germany in their opening UEFA Nations League match on Tuesday. The goal was scored by Jonas Hofmann in the 57th minute, and it was enough to give Germany the win.
The match was played at Wembley Stadium in London and was watched by a crowd of over 75,000. England had the better of the chances in the first half and should have taken the lead through Harry Kane. However, the Spurs striker missed a penalty in the 28th minute and England were made to pay in the second half when Hofmann scored.
The defeat was England's first under new manager Gareth Southgate and it will be a concern for the Three Lions ahead of the World Cup in Qatar later this year. England will now travel to Italy for their next UEFA Nations League match on Saturday.
Why did England lose?
There were a number of reasons for England's defeat to Germany. Firstly, they were not clinical enough in front of goal. England had a number of chances to score but were unable to take them.
Secondly, England were not able to control the midfield. Germany were able to dominate the possession and create chances for their forwards.
Finally, England's defense was not able to cope with the pace and movement of the German attack. Germany were able to create a number of chances and eventually they took one of them.
What can England do to improve?
There are a number of things that England can do to improve their performance. Firstly, they need to be more clinical in front of goal. England have a number of talented attackers but they need to be more ruthless in front of goal.
Secondly, England need to be able to control the midfield. England need to be able to win the ball back from Germany and create chances for their own attackers.
Finally, England need to improve their defense. England need to be able to defend better as a team and they need to be able to cope with the pace and movement of the German attack.