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:
GOAL! England 0-3 GERMANY (Klara Buhl, 29 minutes)
A third! It’s too easy for Germany, a lovely pass cutting between the back four and affording Klara Buhl an opportunity to drive at Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton. Bronze stands her up but parts her legs, opening a gap through which Buhl hurries a shot to beat Hannah Hampton at her near post. A disbelieving Wembley falls silent again!
England 0-2 Germany, 28 minutes
England haven’t managed to find their passing fluency so far, perhaps struggling slightly with a heavy Wembley surface.
England 0-2 Germany, 25 minutes
Hannah Hampton is forced to hurry and slide away an improvised clearance after another slip-up in possession from England’s defensive unit.
England 0-2 Germany, 22 minutes
Klara Buhl jinks into the England box but is unable to beat a couple of defenders rushing across. Still, a corner offers an opportunity for Germany to load the area. A strong defensive header ensures that there is nothing of significant concern from the delivery.
England 0-2 Germany, 20 minutes
Millie Bright flicks the corner wide of the far post. England have had their chances in this opening period.
England 0-2 Germany, 19 minutes
Germany are crowding Keira Walsh, trying to deny England’s deep-lying playmaker chances to get on the ball. She shows precisely why that is wise as soon as she is able to extricate herself from the massed bodies, picking out a dreamy diagonal to Lucy Bronze.
A Beth Mead cross then deflects off Alessia Russo’s head and Sara Doorsoun’s thigh for a corner.
England 0-2 Germany, 17 minutes
England just haven’t got to grips with Giulia Gwinn. Again she careers beyond Jess Carter untracked by Lauren Hemp, who is tucking in and letting the right-back run. A bit of thinking to do for Sarina Wiegman, whose current structure looks a little porous.
England 0-2 Germany, 14 minutes
A chance a minute! Virtually straight from the restart, Alessia Russo neatly navigates beyond Sara Doorsoun and rattles a shot across goal that cannons away off the woodwork.
England 0-2 Germany
England are all over the place. Jess Carter was dragged out of position by Jule Brand and Gulia Gwinn could not believe she had to attack from right back.
What a start to this game but the Lionesses need some organisation. At least Alessia Russo has turned up and looks sharp.
GOAL! England 0-2 GERMANY (Giulia Gwinn, 12 minutes)
A double for Giulia Gwinn!
England denied at one end, Germany strike at the other! What a start for the visitors, cutting the Lionesses to pieces. Gwinn has the freedom of London as she thunders forward up the right, and Jess Carter is unable to get across in time to deny her a shooting opportunity. A friendly peck off the inside of the post and it’s 2-0!
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