The Lionesses suffered their first defeat at Wembley for five years as Germany survived a maddening seven-goal thriller. Preparations for the defense of England’s Euro crown next summer began with a rematch of the 2022 final, with the Lionesses triumphing at this venue and the visitors gaining some measure of revenge with a devastating attacking performance.
The hosts started disastrously, falling 3-0 behind after conceding a penalty inside five minutes, but fought back to make it 3-2 before half-time through a double from Georgia Stanway. But their defensive frailties were always evident, with Sara Dabritz converting a second from the spot in the second half, although Alessia Russo was heavily booked for a foul.
Lucy Bronze capitalized on a mistake 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 games against the USA and Switzerland in November.
Relive all the action from England vs Germany at Wembley with our live blog below:
Complacent England pay the price as Germany embarrass the Lionesses at Wembley
Perhaps the only positive thing for England is that you cannot avoid reality now. For the Lionesses, there was no repeat of their glorious win over Germany at Wembley. Instead, a replay of the Euro 2022 final earned a caution ahead of England’s Euro defense next summer. The Lionesses were complacent and flawed as a refreshed, reshaped Germany team repeatedly tore through England. Had it not been for Germany’s own disastrous defence, the position could have been even more embarrassing.
Jamie Braidwood at Wembley25 October 2024 21:38
Sarina Wiegman speaks to ITV after England’s defeat
“A match at a very high level, two teams that are really equal and wanted to attack. It was an open match, for me a little too open at times. We had too many players in front of the ball and wanted to press high, and if you get it wrong against Germany, they are really dangerous. We had moments where we lost the ball through unforced errors and then they are gone.
“If we had removed the unforced errors more, then they cannot counter. We will press higher, but we have to find the triggers of when to wait and be compact and when to go.
“That’s why we play these matches at the top level. We’re challenged and that’s what we want. We want to see where we are now and get as much information as possible. That’s what we really need in our preparation for the EC.
Harry Latham-Coyle25 October 2024 21:55
England beaten by Germany after disastrous defensive night
Some tough questions for Sarina Wiegman after that performance. Having backed up Hannah Hampton and Leah Williamson in a couple of big selection calls, both struggled to assert themselves and Williamson in particular was now certainly under pressure for his place. The Arsenal defender looks just a little off the pace.
The England manager should be up in front of the microphone shortly.
Harry Latham-Coyle25 October 2024 21:48
Georgia Stanway reflects on England’s defeat
“Initially, my first reaction is that I’m disappointed,” the Lionesses midfielder told ITV. “For them to score so early and take their lead so high is not like us. It’s good that we got back into the game and the penalty was a bit unlucky I think. It’s something we have to learn from. We knew not what we would expect with a new manager and changes to their squad but it shows how good they are.
“We had to adjust our shape. We had to be more compact. As soon as we changed our shape, we were able to win the ball more and get them a few times on the counter attack. I think it could have been 5-5 at half-time, but the result went their way, it’s not that we’re not up to it – Germany are a world-class team, we know we have things to work on. “
Harry Latham-Coyle25 October 2024 21:36
Full time! England 3-4 Germany
Harry Latham-Coyle25 October 2024 21:27
England 3-4 Germany, 90 + 4 minutes
A better ball and a corner. Lauren Hemp rushes to take it.
Too close to Ann-Katrin Berger, who makes sure of the catch this time.
Harry Latham-Coyle25 October 2024 21:25
England 3-4 Germany, 90 + 3 minutes
Another free kick for England inside the delivery area. Jess Carter hits the tire during contact.
Harry Latham-Coyle25 October 2024 21:24
England 3-4 Germany, 90 + 2 minutes
An excellent run from Jessica Naz leaves Sophia Kleinherne with no option but to put England ahead. A good chance to deliver and up the Cavalry come to try and hold on to Alex Greenwood’s delivery.
No dice. Germany clears their lines.
Harry Latham-Coyle25 October 2024 21:22
England 3-4 Germany, 90 minutes
England have six minutes to find their fourth goal and put things right.
Harry Latham-Coyle25 October 2024 21:20
England 3-4 Germany, 88 minutes
Jess Carter ensures that Endemann does not get ahead of Alex Greenwood as the lively German cuts in again down the right. Vital recovery ran from Carter, who had pushed forward in search of a leveller.
Harry Latham-Coyle25 October 2024 21:19