Podolski the hero on farewell; Canada hold Scotland

Lukas Podolski scored the only goal of the game on his farewell appearance for the German national side as they beat England 1-0 in Dortmund.

In what was in all but name a testimonial to the former Arsenal striker, was celebrating his 130th appearance for Germany but still he managed to steal the show.

With 21-minutes left, Podolski smashed home a brilliant winner and it was a fitting end to a brilliant international career.

In what was Gareth Southgate’s first game as permanent England boss, he started with a back three handing Burnley’s Michael Keane his debut.

The Three Lions started well and were the better team in the first-half with Adam Lallana hitting the post and Dele Alli and Jamie Vardy going close. Keane also almost capped his debut with a goal before firing over.

England continued to look good in the second-half and Southgate gave debuts to two of his Under-21 stalwarts – with Nathan Redmond and James Ward-Prowse coming on.

Southgate’s side showed plenty of endeavour but could not find a way through before Podolski’s winner.

The Three Lions next encounter is on Sunday at Wembley with Lithuania the visitors in a World Cup qualifier.

Over in Edinburgh, and even though they did not lose – Scotland had somewhat of a worse performance as they played out a 1-1 draw with Canada at Easter Road.

Falkirk’s Fraser Aird put Canada ahead after 19-minutes, before Steven Naismith levelled ten-minutes before the break when he diverted home a shot from debutant Tom Cairney.

Gordon Strachan’s side will need to see some improvement as the weekend as they face a crucial qualifier against Slovenia on Sunday – which looks a must-win contest for Scotland.

 

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