England U21 2-2 Germany U21 - Bent Strikes

Last updated : 25 March 2005 By Footymad

Three goals in a four-minute spell early in the second half had left England in control, with Stefan Kiessling opening the scoring for the visitors before Darren Bent and Dean Ashton hit back to put Peter Taylor's team ahead.

The visitors enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes and should have reached the interval in front.

Mike Hanke headed over in the early stages before Sahr Senesie saw his shot blocked from just six yards out.

Fulham full-back Moritz Volz's long-range shot was deflected over the bar and Germany kept up the pressure as Hanke headed Christian Pander's free-kick wide.

Pander then tested Scott Carson with a curling 30-yard free-kick before England finally enjoyed a spell of pressure, only to find Ashton's shooting was wayward and two good chances went begging.

Five minutes before the interval Senesie fired in a shot from distance and Carson was relieved to see it bounce to safety off the crossbar, and the teams went in level.

Germany started the second half on top and took the lead in the 49th minute when Pander strode into the penalty area and squared the ball to Kiessling, who smashed it into the top corner.

However, the home side hit back immediately and Bent headed Glen Johnson's far-post cross beyond visiting goalkeeper Michael Rensing.

Two minutes later James Milner found Ashton in the area and the Norwich forward fired home to put England in front.

Bent squandered two good opportunities to make the game safe and England paid the price when Carson's 89th-minute clearance was charged down, allowing Roberto Hilbert to net an equaliser.

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