Joshua Kimmich slams ‘inexplicable’ Germany crumble, but flips how onto big England flaw

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Joshua Kimmich says Germany need to understand why they threw away a two-goal lead to an England side that “didn’t really want to play”.

The Three Lions signed off their World Cup preparations on Monday with a 3-3 draw against Hansi Flick’s side. There were serious concerns for how England would fare following Friday’s loss to Italy.

That 1-0 defeat in Milan relegated Gareth Southgate’s side from Nations League A. Although, that was not the only damning verdict from the match, amid a host of worrying statistics.

And those concerns mounted for England as Germany went 2-0 up at Wembley. However, the hosts came back fighting to take a 3-2 lead, only for Nick Pope’s error to allow Kai Havertz’s second goal to level again.

Kimmich has taken his frustrations out on England’s tactics after the match amid his doubts about Germany.

“England just played on the counterattack,” Bayern Munich star Kimmich said. “It’s actually inexplicable because England didn’t really want to play.

“That shouldn’t happen in the second half, because we completely gave the game away.”

Issues and boosts for England

England’s final game before they travel to Qatar showed everything that is good and bad about Southgate’s side in a 96-minute stint.

There are clear defensive issues which, given Southgate has favored a defensive style of play since his appointment, is a worrying sign.

And while the England squad are rallying behind under-fire Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire, his errors and individual mistakes are clear to see.

On the flipside, there is clear optimism for England ahead of the tournament.

Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham were standouts for the Three Lions in midfield and look like they have an exciting future ahead together.

And up front, there are exciting options both in the starting line-up and off the bench.

Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling worked well in tandem again. But, to get England back in the game, Mason Mount and Bukayo Saka led the charge.

Saka’s ability to enter a pocket of space, turn and drive at defenses is a dangerous weapon. And Mount’s versatility in attacking positions, a trait shared by Phil Foden, is also exciting.

Three Lions hopefuls set for busy run

But, with the international break now over, the focus is on the return to domestic action in a busy pre-World Cup period.

England’s hopefuls face a gruelling set of Premier League, Carabao Cup and European tests. For Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Bellingham, meanwhile, it is Serie A, Bundesliga and European action.

And the big aim will to be in peak form ahead of the tournament.

England’s big players – Maguire, Kane and Sterling – will be big targets on the radars of observers.

Elsewhere, the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho will be looking to regain their places in Southgate’s plans.

There will also be a focus on those who made the squad but whose roles are uncertain – centre-back Tomori and Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold among others.

But the overarching verdict is that England’s squad – as a unit – have done all they can to prepare for the World Cup.

READ MORE:Solid source claims Southgate ready to resign, as massive name is linked as replacement

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