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:
Complacent England pay the price as Germany embarrass Lionesses at Wembley
Perhaps the only positive for England is there can be no avoiding the reality now. For the Lionesses, there was no repeat of their glorious victory over Germany at Wembley. Instead, a rematch of the Euro 2022 final served up a warning ahead of England’s European Championship defence next summer. The Lionesses were complacent and error-strewn as a refreshed, reshaped Germany team repeatedly tore through England. Had it not been for Germany’s own calamitous defending, the scoreline could have been even more of an embarrassment.
Complacent England pay the price as Germany embarrass Lionesses at Wembley
England 3-4 Germany: An error-strewn friendly gave the Lionesses a much-needed wake-up call ahead of Euro 2025 next summer
Sarina Wiegman speaks to ITV after England’s defeat
“A game of a very high level, two teams that are really equal and wanted to attack. It was an open game, for me a little bit too open at times. We had too many players in front of the ball and wanted to press high, and if you do that 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’d taken out those unforced errors more, then they can’t counter attack. We want to press higher but we need to find the triggers of when we wait and be compact, and when we go.
“This is why we play these top level games. We are being 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 moving forward in our preparation for the Euros.”
England beaten by Germany after disastrous defensive night
Some tough questions for Sarina Wiegman after that performance. Having backed Hannah Hampton and Leah Williamson in a couple of big selection calls, both struggled to assert themselves, with Williamson particularly now surely under pressure for her place. The Arsenal defender just looks a little off the pace still.
The England manager should be up in front of the microphone shortly.
Georgia Stanway reflects on England’s defeat
“Initially, my first reaction is that I’m disappointed,” the Lionesses midfielder tells ITV. “For them to score so early and take their lead so high, it’s not like us. It’s good that we got back into the game, and the penalty was a little unfortunate I think. It is one we have got to learn from. We didn’t know what to expect with a new manager and changes within their squad, but that showcases how good they are.
“We needed to adjust our shape. We needed to be more compact. As soon as we changed our shape, we were able to regain the ball more and get them a few times on the counter-attack. I think it could have been 5-5 at half time. The teams were pretty even, but obviously the result went their way. It’s not about us not being at it - Germany are good, a world-class team. We know we’ve got things to work on.”
England 3-4 Germany, 90 + 4 minutes
A better ball, and a corner. Lauren Hemp scampers to take it.
Too close to Ann-Katrin Berger, who makes absolutely certain of the catch this time.
England 3-4 Germany, 90 + 3 minutes
Another free kick for England within delivering range. Jess Carter hits the deck under contact.
England 3-4 Germany, 90 + 2 minutes
An outstanding run from Jessica Naz leaves Sophia Kleinherne with no option but to bring the England forward down. A good chance to deliver, and up the cavalry come to try to latch on to Alex Greenwood’s delivery.
No dice. Germany clear their lines.
England 3-4 Germany, 90 minutes
England have six minutes to find their fourth goal and square things up.
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