Germany's Lukas Podolski after his final appearance for his country in the international friendly in Dortmund, Germany on March 22, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

It seemed like a changing of the guard from Germany with Joshua Kimmich (22), Julian Weigl (21), Leroy Sane (21), Julian Brandt (20) and Timo Werner (21) all starting, the latter for his debut.

But it was the visitors that looked sharp and Burnley defender Michael Keane might have done better on his England debut when he fired over early on.

Keane blocked a Podolski shot as the home side gradually improved, but there were groans from fans at the frequent waylaid passes and unforced errors.

A mislaid pass from Kimmich set Adam Lallana racing clear. Germany keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was relieved to see the Liverpool midfielder's effort crash back off the far post.

Dele Alli should have put England ahead before the break but he shot straight at Ter Stegen when he only had the goalkeeper to beat. More loose play from the home side in midfield had created the opportunity.

Podolski, who had a shot blocked and had blazed over in the first half, again went close in the second before he finally claimed his 49th and last international goal for a perfect ending.

"I couldn't have written a better script," Mueller said. "It would be too cheesy for me as a director. No one would believe it."It was Germany's first win at home over England since a 3-1 victory 30 years ago in Duesseldorf.

Germany next turns attention to its World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan in Baku on Sunday, when England hosts Lithuania at Wembley Stadium.

Associated Press