POPE'S DROP HOPES LIFTED

England head for Qafar after glory comeback ruined by keeper howler

- JOHN CROSS

ENGLAND are now six competitive games without a win - the worst run in their history thanks to keeper Nick Pope's howler.

Boss Gareth Southgate thought his already-relegated side had come back from the dead before Germany were gifted a late lifeline.

The Three Lions were praying for a morale-boosting win ahead of the World Cup but a 52ndminute penalty from Ilkay Gundogan and a 67th-minute stunner from Kai Havertz left them shell-shocked.

But Luke Shaw responded four minutes later before Mason Mount came off the bench to hit a sensational 75th-minute leveller to electrify Wembley.

And when Harry Kane put England in front from the spot seven minutes from time it looked like they'd finally secured the victory they craved.