World Cup Qualifier: Late Gerrard goal gives English lead

Germany 1, England 2 (half-time)

England lead Germany by two goals to one at half time in their World Cup Qualifier at the Olympic Stadium in Munich.

The pace was frenetic from the off when Carsten Jancker and Sebastian Deisler kicked off in the noisy stadium

The match was only six minutes old when Germany, who were dominating early on, took the lead.

Michael Ballack crossed from the left, Neuville headed on from the edge of the area and Jancker burst through to slot past David Seaman from eight yards.

England mounted their first attack after this and looked to have suddenly settled into the game. They didn’t have to wait long for an equaliser. Michael Owen put them level in the 13th minute.

Gary Neville headed into the area, Nicky Barmby headed back to Owen and the Liverpool striker volleyed home from nine yards.

The goal settled England and five minutes later they went close through a Beckham free kick. Owen also had chances, and on the half hour mark England were awarded a free kick in the box after German goalkeeper Kahn handled a backpass.

Beckham fired toward goal, but it was blocked and Neville hit the rebound wide.

Just when it was looking like a draw Stephen Gerrard took a headed clearance on his chest and unleashed a volley home from 30 yards for his first international goal.