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
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Your support makes all the difference.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:
Lionesses vs Germany
The Lionesses will be wearing black armbands tonight as a mark of respect following the passing of Ella Toone’s father.
The Lionesses and Manchester United midfielder shared in a post on social media last month that her dad Nick had died aged 59, just days before he was due to celebrate his 60th birthday.
Toone scored in England’s Euro 2022 final victory over Germany at Wembley and starts for tonight’s rematch against the same opponents.
Why are England wearing black armbands tonight against Germany?
The gesture is a mark of respect following the passing of Ella Toone’s father last month
Mary Earps given loud England reception
The biggest cheer from the England fans already in their seats at Wembley when the teams were read out was for a substitute. Mary Earps’ popularity remains undisputed, despite her place on the England bench tonight.
Lionesses to remain on ITV in the United Kingdom
Some broadcasting news ahead of kick off this evening, with ITV remaining the television home of the Lionesses in the United Kingdom after a four-year deal was agreed with the Football Association (FA). The deal will see the broadcaster show all of the England senior women’s teams qualifying fixtures for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and UEFA Women’s EURO 2029, as well as the team’s UEFA Women’s Nations League campaigns and all international friendlies.
ITV will also share coverage of next year’s Euros with the BBC.
BBC and ITV release details of Euro 2025 TV coverage
The free-to-air broadcasters will share coverage of the tournament in Switzerland
Goals a concern for England ahead of Euro 2025?
England scored 12 goals across their opening two games of 2024, in the 7-2 v Austria and 5-1 v Italy, but have netted just eight goals across their six outings since.
Sarina Wiegman’s side drew 0-0 with Sweden last time out, a result that booked their place at Euro 2025, but are goals are a concern for the Lionesses?
Alessia Russo was England’s top scorer in qualifying with three while Georgia Stanway got two. Lauren James, Alex Greenwood and Beth Mead all got one each.
Germany start new era ahead of England clash
Germany have a new manager ahead of Euro 2025 and boss Christian Wück will take charge of his first game tonight. He was previously in charge of Germany’s youth teams and led Germany’s men’s Under-17s to the World Cup last year.
He now takes charge of a Germany squad that won bronze at the Paris Olympics this summer, beating Spain in the bronze medal match after defeat to eventual champions the United States in the semi-final.
Wück takes charge at a difficult time, however. Legendary striker and capain Alexandra Popp is set to retire after Monday’s match against Australia, while veterans Marina Hegering and Merle Frohms have also called time on their careers.
Germany have also been hit by injuries and will be missing Bayern Munich’s Lea Schüller and Lena Oberdorf.
Lionesses arriving at Wembley
Sarina Wiegman on Lauren James’ England absence
Lauren James was forced to withdraw from England’s squad after picking up a calf injury in Chelsea’s win over FC Twente in the Champions League earlier this month. The forward is recovering at Cobham but Chelsea head coach said she could be out for as much as “five to six weeks” - which may rule her out of the next international break as well.
James has not played for England since April’s win over Republic of Ireland and missed the previous two international windows due to injury as well.
“We want her to be fit, that’s the main thing,” Wiegman said. “Unfortunately she’s injured and she’s working on her recovery.
“She’s in a great environment at her club and as soon as she gets minutes she’ll show quality because that’s the quality Chelsea play at. Then we’ll see how she can fit into the team.”
Giovanna Hoffman makes her debut for Germany in the forward line.
Germany XI: Berger; Gwinn, Doorsoun, Minge, Linder; Dallman, Senss, Brand; Nusken, Buhl, Hoffman.
Team news - England
Hannah Hampton starts in goal for England, while Millie Bright is Leah Williamson’s centre-half partner.
England XI: Hampton; Bronze, Bright, Williamson, Carter; Walsh, Stanway, Toone; Mead, Russo, Hemp.
Sarina Wiegman responds to debate around Thomas Tuchel’s England appointment
Sarina Wiegman said she is sure Thomas Tuchel will give everything to bring success to England and end the men’s team’s trophy drought just as she did for the women’s side.
Tuchel was appointed England manager last week ahead of the 2026 World Cup and the German will become the third non-English coach to take charge of the men’s team.
Wiegman led the Lionesses to Euro 2022 glory at Wembley and the Dutch coach has been celebrated for helping transform the women’s game in England since her appointment in 2021.
Tuchel replaced Gareth Southgate after his eight-year spell in charge and the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss said he was “sorry I have a German passport” at his unveiling.
Tuchel said he was “proud” to be England manager and added he hoped to convince critics who believe an English coach should lead the national team that nationality did not matter.
Sarina Wiegman responds to debate around Thomas Tuchel’s England appointment
Critics of Tuchel’s appointment said the manager of the England team should be English but Wiegman has led the Lionesses to glory at Euro 2022
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