Last-gasp Germany deny England

By Andrew Haslam

A last-minute equaliser from substitute Roberto Hilbert earned Germany a 2-2 draw in England that kept Dieter Eilts' team on top of UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group 6.

Composed finish
In an entertaining game in Hull, both sides had chances in the first half but it was the visitors who struck first, Stefan Kiessling driving a left-foot shot beyond England goalkeeper Scott Carson three minutes into the second period.

Instant riposte
However, Peter Taylor's team drew level a little over a minute later, Darren Bent nodding in Glenn Johnson's long right-wing cross at the far post for an opportunist equaliser. Two minutes later and England were in front, Dean Aston collecting James Milner's pass and advancing into the penalty area before driving a shot high into the net.

Carson slip
England had a number of chances to wrap up the win, but were made to pay for their profligacy in the 89th minute as a miskicked clearance from Carson fell kindly to Hilbert, who side-footed in the equaliser from outside the penalty area.

Level pegging
Both teams therefore remained level on eleven points, with Germany top on head-to-head record. England next welcome the section's bottom sides, Azerbaijan, to Middlesbrough on Tuesday, with Germany's next fixture away in Poland on 16 August.