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Terry atones for error to give England victory in Germany

19/11/2008

Captain John Terry atoned for a defensive error which gifted Germany a goal to head England to a 2-1 victory in their friendly in Berlin.

Matthew Upson had given Fabio Capello's side the lead in the first half but a mix up between Terry and Scott Carson midway through the second half levelled the match.

However, with five minutes remaining Terry rose to meet Stewart Downing's free-kick to give England a memorable victory on German soil.

England started with Jermain Defoe and Gabriel Agbonlahor up front and their pace seemed to trouble the German defence – allowing them to dominate the first half, while first-half keeper David James rarely troubled by the home side.

Although England enjoyed most of the possession and territory they could not quite turn it into clear-cut chances, with Shaun Wright-Phillips' shot that went just wide of the post all they had to show in the first 30 minutes.

But the visitors took the lead when German keeper Rene Adler failed to deal with Downing's corner, leaving Upson to poke the loose ball home from the middle of the penalty area and give England a 1-0 lead at the break.

Germany put England under more pressure at the start of the second half as the inevitable substitutions appeared to have an adverse affect on Capello's side.

Despite that England could have made it 2-0 but substitute Darren Bent, having rounded the German keeper, could not roll the ball into the empty net.

The Spurs striker was put through by Gareth Barry but having done the hard work slipped at the vital moment and skewed his shot wide.

England were made to pay almost instantly. A long ball over the top caused confusion between Terry and Carson – with both players leaving it for each other.

That allowed Patrick Helmes to steal in and he was able to succeed where Bent had failed moments earlier, putting the ball into the unguarded net.

Despite the setback England continued to press for a winner, with Agbonlahor shooting just wide before Wright-Phillips struck the outside of the post.

The reward for their endeavour came with five minutes to go when Downing provided another excellent delivery and Terry jumped highest to nod the ball into the far corner of the goal.

England have now won their last five consecutive games under Capello. Their next fixture is a home friendly with Slovakia in March.