Former Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski had a night to remember in Dortmund as his winning goal proved the difference as Germany defeated England in an international friendly.
The 31 year old Galatasaray forward announced his retirement from international football after Euro 2016 but was given the honour of a final cap - his 130th in total - tonight in the 1-0 win for the home side.
England dominated for long periods against the world champions but Gareth Southgate's side ended up on the losing side.
Burnley defender Michael Keane and Southampton duo Nathan Redmond and James Ward-Prowse made their England debuts on the night.
Podolski's goal arrived on 69 minutes when the 2014 World Cup winner smashed in with his powerful left foot from 25 yards which arrowed its unstoppable way into the top corner of the net.
Germany's Lukas Podolski, right, scores the opening goal during the friendly soccer match between Germany and England in Dortmund, Germany, Wednesday, March 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
It's the icing on the cake for an international career which began in 2004 as Germany looked to rebuild their fortunes around a new generation of talent which also included Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger and later were joined by the likes of Mesut Ozil, Manuel Neuer, Marco Reus, Thomas Muller and Mario Gotze among many others.
Podolski's winner against England was the 49th of his international career.
His major tournament record was excellent, scoring three times at the 2006 World Cup on home soil (including a brace in the last 16 against Sweden), three more at Euro 2008, two at the 2010 World Cup and another at Euro 2012.
While he did not play in the final as Germany won the World Cup in 2014, the forward did feature earlier in the tournament.
For 13 years I've worn the DFB shirt with pride, passion and desire to win. Tonight we celebrate 130 games with our fans. See you there!🇩🇪ðŸ‘🻠pic.twitter.com/ViVMoGwcLW
— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) March 22, 2017
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