BARCELONA goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen prevented Danny Ings from adding to his goal tally with the England under 21s tonight - but the Burnley striker still helped Gareth Southgate’s side to a 3-2 win over Germany.
Ings was named in Southgate’s starting line-up for the friendly at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium, three days after being used as a second-half substitute in a 1-0 win in the Czech Republic.
The Burnley striker was denied a goal by Ter Stegen, Barcelona’s Champions League goalkeeper who saved a key penalty from Sergio Aguero in victory over Manchester City two weeks ago.
But England came from behind to win, after twice trailing.
A crowd of 30,178 was present at the Riverside and Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson came into the England starting line-up in place of Burnley defender Michael Keane, who started in the Czech Republic.
Former Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli also dropped out of the team, making way for Jonathan Bond.
Ings was making his ninth appearance for the England under 21 team, having scored four goals in his previous appearances – including a brace in a victory over Portugal at Turf Moor in November.
But Germany were ahead after 15 minutes at the Riverside as Philipp Hoffman controlled a cross and fired low past Bond into the net.
Ings came close to a leveller in the 33rd minute but his effort was kept out by Ter Stegen.
The goalkeeper, who already has four caps for Germany at senior level, then thwarted Jesse Lingard.
But an equaliser came in the 35th minute as Carl Jenkinson crossed into the box and Lingard finished well.
England keeper Bond had to pull off a superb save to prevent Moritz Leitner from putting Germany back in front with a free kick from the edge of the area.
Germany restored their lead five minutes into the second half. Hofmann scored his second goal of the game, converting a cross from close range.
Ings soon fired over the top after he collected a pass from Jenkinson and turned on the edge of the area.
The Clarets ace then set up Lingard, who could not get the ball out from under his feet.
Southgate brought on Alex Pritchard for Will Hughes and the Tottenham midfielder had an opportunity when he was unable to control in the area after good work from Jenkinson.
Gibson then headed over a corner from James Ward-Prowse, before Ter Stegen was called upon again to save from Nathan Redmond.
Ings was in the thick of the action once more as both he and Lingard were denied by some desperate German defending, before his Burnley team-mate Keane came on as a substitute for Gibson in the centre of defence.
An equaliser finally came in the 79th minute as wide man Redmond fired a deflected shot low into the far corner.
England then moved 3-2 ahead three minutes later as Jake Forster-Caskey provided the pass for Ward-Prowse to coolly slot the ball into the net.
Ings was denied by Ter Stegen once more in the closing stages, after the keeper had fumbled Pritchard’s initial effort.
England: Jonathan Bond, Carl Jenkinson, Luke Garbutt, Jake Forster-Caskey, John Stones, Ben Gibson, Jesse Lingard, James Ward-Prowse, Danny Ings, Will Hughes, Nathan Redmond. Subs: Marcus Bettinelli, Calum Chambers, Michael Keane, Liam Moore, Alex Pritchard, Cauley Woodrow.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel