England draw with Germany on Kane goal; Italy 1st in group

Sports Desk, Jun 7 (EFE).- England’s Harry Kane won and converted a penalty late in regulation Tuesday to salvage a 1-1 draw with hosts Germany in Nations League action, while Italy edged Hungary 2-1 to claim first place in Group 3 of League A, the top tier of the competition.

The Azzurri have 4 points from two matches and Hungary are second in the “group of death” with 3 points, 1 better than Germany and 2 more than England.

After an eventful first half without goals, Die Mannschaft went ahead in the 50th minute on a goal from Jonas Hofmann, set up beautifully by Joshua Kimmich.

England stirred to life and Mason Mount forced a save from Manuel Neuer just minutes later. The German keeper was even more impressive in the 76th minute, repelling a Kane strike with his hip to preserve the lead.

With five minutes left in regulation, Kane toppled to the ground after a brush in the box with Nico Schlotterbeck and though the referee brushed off England’s call for a penalty, VAR intervened and after watching the replay, the official pointed to the spot.

Kane converted with authority to level the score at 1-1 and become the No. 2 all-time scorer for the Three Lions with 50 goals, one better than Sir Bobby Charlton and just three short of leader Wayne Rooney.

Italy led Hungary 2-0 at the break on goals by Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Pellegrini, who also scored in the 1-1 draw with Germany on Match Day 1 and is emerging as key element of Roberto Mancini’s project to remodel a team that has now failed to qualify for two World Cups in succession.

A clumsy own goal by defender Gianluca Mancini cut the home side’s advantage in half, but Italy hung on to win. EFE

jv/dr