Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy sent social media into a frenzy after his outrageous backheel flick helped England register a 3-2 win against world champions Germany in an international friendly at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Eric Dier scored deep into injury time to seal England’s remarkable comeback after the Three Lions went two goals down with half an hour to play. Real Madrid star Toni Kroos gave Germany the lead on the stroke of half time after his rasping 25-yard drive swept past England goalkeeper Jack Butland.
Butland, who had earlier jarred his right knee, had to be stretchered off immediately after conceding the opening goal on the night. The Stoke shot-stopper was replaced by Southampton’s Fraser Forster, who was unable to prevent Germany’s returning striker Mario Gomez from heading in Sami Khedira’s delightful lofted pass 12 minutes into the second half.
Premier League top scorer Harry Kane reduced the deficit by half just four minutes later, finding the bottom corner after a brilliant turn in the penalty area. Mid-way through the second half, Vardy came on as a substitute for Danny Welbeck to rapturous applause from the travelling English supporters. Within minutes of his arrival on the pitch, the former Fleetwood Town striker scored an incredible backheel goal past Manuel Neuer to send twitter into meltdown.
Here are some of the best tweets following the Leicester star’s goal:
Jamie Vardy becomes the first Leicester City player to score for England since Gary Lineker in 1985. pic.twitter.com/W1denzyOf9
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 26, 2016
Jamie Vardy’s having a party!!!! pic.twitter.com/7FWq6tnL6g
— When Sunday Comes (@WSCsm) March 26, 2016
When @DeejayDt walks into his local Tattoo parlour https://t.co/OVVurTvndF
— Memz Dogi Ⓜ️ (@Memz_Dogi) March 26, 2016
#ThatMomentWhen you see Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy both score quality goals in your absence #GERENG pic.twitter.com/AA8tqJAoGM
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) March 26, 2016
Jamie Vardy – from Fleetwood to England. What a story. pic.twitter.com/zwXBTchh3n
— Uber Football Facts (@UberFootbalI) March 26, 2016
Jamie Vardy, once a man selling knock off DVDs, banging in goals for Fleetwood has just scored a worldie against the world champions.
— Coral (@Coral) March 26, 2016
It’s a long time since a Leicester player scored for England. Congratulations to Jamie Vardy.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 26, 2016
Oh Germany, you thought you were gonna win 2-1?
I’m afraid Jamie Vardy has some bad news #ENG pic.twitter.com/bEhKLHqKvt
— EOW (@_EOW_) March 26, 2016
BREAKING: Jamie Vardy wins the 2016 Ballon D’Or. pic.twitter.com/GiSyGuOpa4
— BBC Sporf (@BBCSporf) March 26, 2016
Jamie Vardy’s started a party in the away section. What a goal. Sensational finish. 2-2.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) March 26, 2016
Vardy there with a Cruyff turn. What a tribute.
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) March 26, 2016
GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLL
JAMIE BLOODY VARDY!!
2-2
Chat scheisse, get banged!!!
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 26, 2016
By the great beard of Zeus, what a goal by Vardy.
— Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) March 26, 2016
Vardy is the strangest phenomenon known to sports right now. How do you go from literally garbage to that back heel?
— Jericho – Tucker (@IIJERiiCHOII) March 26, 2016
#Vardy
2005: Factory worker
2011: Playing division 5
2012: 3rd division
2015: 19 Goals PL
2016: 1st #ENG Goal v #GER pic.twitter.com/21mCZYndWr— 8 Fact Football (@8Fact_Footballl) March 26, 2016
Can’t help but love Vardy & Kane! Both written off in their earlier careers now ripping it up for England!!
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) March 26, 2016
Regardless of if we win the Euros, I can say I lived to see Jamie Vardy score a backheeled half volley past Manuel Neuer. What a result.
— Tom (@FourFourTom) March 26, 2016
May 12, 2013: Kane & Vardy on the Leicester bench.
March 26, 2016: Kane & Vardy score for England v Germany! pic.twitter.com/6xmz0PsJCu
— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) March 26, 2016
that vardy goal was truly biblical #eng
— JY (@Phenomenal_Juan) March 26, 2016
BREAKING: Live footage of Roy Hodgson in the England dressing room.https://t.co/XWuvJEGU3A
— BBC Sporf (@BBCSporf) March 26, 2016