Robinson howler contributes to England defeat
Robinson's England place is now under threat
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England cruised to a 104-run victory in the first one-day international of the series against India at the Rose Bowl thanks to centuries from Alastair Cook and Ian Bell. |  |
Wednesday, 22, Aug 2007 11:05
England have lost at Wembley for the first time since it reopened after Germany defeated Steve McClaren's men 2-1.
The home side took the lead but Paul Robinson made a critical goalkeeping error which allowed the visitors back into the game and England never recovered.
England's bright start was rewarded when Frank Lampard found the net for his first international goal in over a year.
Micah Richards burst down the right flank and found the Chelsea man free on the edge of the penalty area and he smashed the ball past Jens Lehman, beating the Arsenal goalkeeper at his near post.
However, England let the pace of the game drop and the Germans got themselves back into the match after a mistake from Robinson.
The Tottenham goalkeeper was deceived by Bernd Schneider's cross, after back-pedalling all he could do was push the ball back into the path of Kevin Kuranyi who tapped home.
Just before the break England found themselves behind thanks to a well struck shot from Christian Pander on his international debut. The left-back beat Robinson from 25-yards but this time the goalkeeper had no chance.
Moments after Pander's goal Michael Owen saw Lehman produce an excellent save from his downward header. Soon after the Newcastle striker spurned a glorious opportunity, forcing his shot over the bar despite the goal being unguarded.
England made a series of changes at half time, including David James replacing Robinson in goal. Although they created chances in the second period the home side failed to show the necessary cutting edge.
McClaren's side looked laboured in their build up and wasted chances to equalise. Substitute Kieron Dyer shot wide from David Beckham's cross which flew across the six yard box, while John Terry saw a header cleared off the line.
Shaun Wright Phillips replaced Joe Cole and impressed during his short 20 minutes on the field. Peter Crouch replaced Owen, who appeared to be short of match fitness, and England used him as the sole outlet too many times to pose a real threat.
Germany played largely on the counter attack in the second half and deserved their win while England appeared lacklustre.