Gritty England hold Germany

Germany and England remain on level on points at the top of Group 6 after goals from Stefan Kiessling and Steven Taylor in Mainz saw the teams share the spoils. Both sides are guaranteed a place in the qualifying play-offs in November, with Germany ahead on goal difference.

Kiessling header
Germany got off to the better start and managed to get the early goal they wanted on 17 minutes. Sascha Riether's cross was met by Kiessling, whose header eluded Scott Carson and found the roof of the net.

Taylor joy 
The visitors looked shaken after falling behind but recovered midway through the first half and started to enjoy more possession. Three minutes from the break, England's pressure paid off and handed the visitors a well deserved equaliser. Chelsea FC defender Robert Huth failed to pick up Taylor's run after a Peter Whittingham corner and the Newcastle United FC defender volleyed past René Adler to equalize.

Cole unlucky 
The visitors kept the momentum going after the break and were unlucky not to take the lead six minutes into the second half. James Milner broke down the left wing, found Carlton Cole with a perfectly timed cross but the Chelsea striker watched on in desperation as his header beat Adler but bounced back off the bar.

Late surge 
With the teams evenly matched for much of the second half clear openings were at a premium, but both sides had an opportunity the chance to take all three points in the dying minutes. Five minutes from the end Cole saw his shot saved by Adler and only seconds later Hamburger SV midfielder Piotr Trochowski's shot from the edge of the area rattled the upright.