Gary Lineker was quickly proved right after declaring that Gareth Southgate must take risks if England are to overcome a team of Germany's quality.
The Three Lions came from behind to earn a draw in the Nations League at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena on Tuesday night. Harry Kane scored his 50th goal for his country from the penalty spot - awarded following Nico Schlotterbeck's clumsy challenge - with seconds remaining after Jonas Hofmann opened the scoring for the hosts early in the second half.
England were leggy throughout the Group A3 clash with their old rivals and it took the introduction of Manchester City playmaker Jack Grealish and West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen to inject some late energy into their performance. During England's run to the final of Euro 2020 last summer, Southgate often used Grealish as an impact substitute to good effect.
Former Three Lions striker Lineker was pleased to see the attacking midfielder sent on in Mason Mount's place with 18 minutes remaining and took to Twitter to write: "The introduction of @JackGrealish has made a difference. You have to take chances to make things happen at this level."
Lineker's warning that Southgate must "take chances" was quickly vindicated as minutes later Kane converted the penalty to earn England their first point of the new Nations League season. The Tottenham striker's spot kick brought up his half-century of goals for England and earned him widespread adulation as he moved to within just three of Wayne Rooney's all-time record.
"50 goals for @HKane. Fabulous achievement," Lineker added. "England play so much better when they have a go. Too much talent to play overly cautious and it doesn't play to their strengths."
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Meanwhile, Lineker's comments about England needing to play with confidence and endeavour were echoed by Michael Owen, who was serving as a pundit for Channel 4's coverage of the match. The former Liverpool and Manchester United centre-forward wrote on Twitter: "We are a much better team when we are positive.
"All our best players are attackers. Gareth needs to try and play on the front foot - play to our strengths." Having lost to Hungary prior to the draw in Germany, England will look to collect their first victory of the Nations League season against Italy on Saturday, before they have the chance to set things right against Hungary next Tuesday.
While the spotlight is fixed on the Nations League at present, the fixtures are being played in anticipation of the World Cup in Qatar at the end of the year.
