Germany Keeps Improving Under Flick But 1-1 Draw Against England Highlights Shortcomings

For 60-65 minutes, it was all Germany against England. But the bottom line will be another draw against a topside for Germany head coach Hansi Flick. Still undefeated after 11 games in charge, Flick is yet to beat one of the big teams with Germany.

The 1-1 draw against England is just the latest example that, although hugely improved, Germany still has work to do ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Starting the game with a progressive 3-4-2-1, Die Nationalmannschaft always looked the more likely to score in the first interval and finally secured the lead after Joshua Kimmich found Jonas Hofmann with a perfect ball in the box (50’).

Germany then pressed on, looking for a second that would have put the game away. Jamal Musiala, who was playing next to Thomas Müller in a mixed number 8/10 role and wing-back David Raum, in particular, impressed.

Musiala, who could have also played for England, provided both stability and creativity for Germany. Raum, in the meantime, showed an impressive work rate on the left flank, and his crosses were a constant problem for England’s backline.

“We played a great match but didn’t reward ourselves,” Flick said after the game. “We could have probably scored a second, but we played against England side with an impressive attack. However, we showcased the kind of football that we envision ourselves playing.”

That was undoubtedly true, for the first 60 to 65 minutes. In fact, you can almost draw a direct parallel between Musiala coming off for Werner and Germany losing stability against the Three Lions. The 19-year-old completed 16 of his 19 passes (84% completion rate) and created several chances during the first half.

Then in the second half, there were several instances in which the young Bayern star was able to generate attacks, winning the ball in his own half and moving his team forward quickly. Not everything Musiala did turned into gold that evening, but he clearly showed his massive potential, and the drop-off was telling once he was gone.

In Timo Werner, Leroy Sané, and Serge Gnabry, Flick brought on three players primarily comfortable on the wing, hampering Germany’s ability to play through the center quickly. Those substitutions were made worse when Leon Goretzka came on for Thomas Müller.

As a result, England was able to find a way back into the match and finally found an equalizer after Harry Kane was brought down inside the box. The England captains stepped up and easily converted.

“We showed some good movement, were very active and aggressive and created chances this way,” Germany midfielder Ilkay Gündogan said after the game. “It is never possible to keep England out of the match entirely, but we were still the dominant team. Therefore, it is a bit disappointing to concede a late equalizer.”

But for Flick and his team, there is an important lesson here. While Germany has improved under Flick, Die Nationalmannschaft needs to be better against more prominent names. The coaching staff needs to react better during key moments and let young Musiala; finish a game…

Manuel Veth is the host of the Bundesliga Gegenpressing Podcast and the Area Manager USA at Transfermarkt. He has also been published in the Guardian, Newsweek, Howler, Pro Soccer USA, and several other outlets. Follow him on Twitter: @ManuelVeth