Jurgen Klinsmann wishes Harry Kane was playing for Germany as the 2014 World Cup champions were left recquiring Niclas Fullkrug's introduction to get anything out of a vital fixture against Spain.
Hansi Flick's side needed to avoid defeat in order to remain in the contention for qualifying realistically after losing the first group game in a shock 2-1 collapse against Japan. A second half strike from Spain substitute Alvaro Morata meant that the the European giants faced elimination unless Japan lose to Spain and Germany beat Costa Rica, overturning goal difference too. Fullkrug's equaliser ensures that they can still qualify even if Japan draw.
Despite going toe-to-toe with Luis Enrique's side in the first period, Germany were short of goalscorers, an issue that plagued them in the opening game too, and former USA manager Klismann knows just the man they need.
READ MORE: Chelsea handed Cristiano Ronaldo warning by Lionel Messi amid huge £186m contract offer
"Gnabry had a chance and they worked themselves into the game," he explained at half-time. "We're missing one element which is a strong centre froward. We're going to give Harry Kane a German passport."
Spain, who also started without a recognised striker, made their move to sub on Morata and were repaid by taking the lead. Flick chose to replace Havertz - who started against Japan - and leave his side with even less of a direct presence in attack.
"We don't have a reference point up front," Klinsmann continued. "We don't have a guy to play off. It has to come from the attacking midfielders from Gundogan, Gnabry or Musiala. They have to create something but there are no natural goalscorers."
Klinsmann's desire for a true striker to be introduced proved correct after Fullkrug came on and scored the decisive equaliser.
READ NEXT:
Clarke impact, Etete wait - What happened to the four players sold by Tottenham in the summer
Tottenham news: Fabio Paratici finds surprise January transfer target as wonderkid decision made
Harry Kane left out of World Cup XI by Tottenham ace amid Lionel Messi and Ronaldo decisions
Tottenham ace Son Heung-min details injury nightmare and his message to physios before World Cup
Full list of Tottenham players going to Qatar 2022 World Cup as Eric Dier, Rodrigo Bentancur in
