England vs Germany LIVE: Result and latest reaction after Lionesses beaten in seven-goal thriller
England 3-4 Germany: The Lionesses shipped four goals at home in a woeful defensive performance under Sarina Wiegman
The Lionesses suffered their first defeat at Wembley in five years as Germany survived a madcap seven-goal thriller. Preparations for the defence of England’s Euros crown next summer began with a rematch of the 2022 final which saw the Lionesses triumph at this venue, and the visitors gained a measure of revenge with a devastating attacking performance.
The hosts began disastrously, falling 3-0 behind after conceding a penalty inside five minutes, but fought back to 3-2 before half time through a double from Georgia Stanway. But their defensive frailties were ever apparent, with Sara Dabritz converting a second from the spot in the second half, though Alessia Russo was harshly adjudged to have committed a foul.
Lucy Bronze capitalised on an error from Ann-Katrin Berger late on to give the home fans hope of an equaliser, but Germany held on. Sarina Wiegman’s side next play South Africa on Tuesday followed by fixtures against the United States and Switzerland in November.
Re-live all the action from England vs Germany at Wembley with our live blog below:
England 2-3 Germany, 50 minutes
Linda Dallman has been so good this evening. The experienced midfielder combines so effectively with Stanway and co. at Bayern Munich, and England haven’t got a handle on her at all.
Germany have the ball in the back of the net, but their muted celebrations suggest they were well away that Selina Cerci had ventured offside in the build-up,
England 2-3 Germany, 48 minutes
Beth Mead hooks a bouncing ball across the Germany box that Lauren Hemp manages to keep alive, eventually working the ball inside to Georgia Stanway. Seeking a hat trick, Stanway can’t quite force a clear sighting of goal.
England 2-3 Germany, 47 minutes
Will Jess Park provide a bit of extra energy in the England midfield? It just felt like they were bypassed too easily and often in that first half.
Second half...
Alterations at half time. Jess Park is on for Ella Toone for England, while there’s a double change for Germany with Selina Cerci on for Giovanna Hoffman and Felicitas Rauch replacing Sarai Linder.
Back underway.
Second half...
Whew. A necessary refresh at half-time for both sides, with neither manager looking particularly happy at all as that chaotic, careless and captivating half wore on. Surely it can’t continue in this fashion?
England 2-3 Germany
That’s a stunning save form Hannah Hampton, who is not the tallest of goalkeepers but reached brilliantly to tip Linda Dallmann’s long-range strike over the bar. The shot came from England giving the ball away in midfield, which has happened far too often this half.
Quite the half, though. England have done well to limit the damage and get in only one down.
England 2-3 Germany, 45 + 4 minutes
Off the crossbar! A quite magnificent effort from Linda Dallman, spotting Hannah Hampton just far enough off her line to chance a lob from all of 35 or 40 yards. Hampton just about gets a fingernail on it to ensure it hits the topside of the bar.
England 2-3 Germany, 45 + 1 minutes
Another fun passing move from Germany allows Sarai Linder to draw a firm double-palmed save from Hannah Hampton.
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