England conceded more than three goals in a game for the first time under Sarina Wiegman as they were edged out 4-3 by Germany in a Wembley classic.
Giulia Gwinn’s double and Klara Buhl’s strike had the Lionesses 3-0 down after just 28 minutes, before Georgia Stanway got them right back into it with two goals in three minutes.
Germany then netted a fourth in the second half when Sara Dabritz scored a controversially awarded penalty which was given despite Alessia Russo’s boot clearly touching the ball before catching her opponent.
Lucy Bronze capitalised on a horrid mistake by goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger to make things interesting with nine minutes to play, but England couldn’t muster an equaliser and fell to defeat in front of a 47,000-strong crowd.
Dom Smith was at Wembley to rate the England players’ performances…
Hannah Hampton 7
Made an extraordinary save while back-peddling from a shot from miles out, as well as two more excellent stops, but conceded four times.
Lucy Bronze 6
Too eager to leap into tackles that she often left her teammates exposed and needing to cover her on the right flank. Out of position for Germany’s third goal, but made amends (sort of) by scoring England’s third.
Her foul inside two minutes saw a yellow card and a penalty awarded. Poor.
Leah Williamson 6
Lost possession in the lead-up to the first Germany penalty, but composed herself after that and didn’t put a foot wrong after that early error.
Jess Carter 6
Some of her defending was a little flat-footed at moments. But did make a couple of important interceptions.
Georgia Stanway 8
Couldn’t have done any more. Never stopped running, and scored England’s first and second goals, both of which were crisp finishes.
Keira Walsh 6
Quiet on the night. Part of a midfield which Germany found it worryingly straightforward to play through.
Beth Mead 6
Grabbed the assist for England’s second goal and put in a shift, but guilty at times of selecting the wrong pass to play.
Didn’t really grasp her chance to shine. Missed a golden chance to make it 3-3, and was duly subbed at the break.
Lauren Hemp 6
A slightly subdued performance from the Manchester City 24-year-old. Pressed with purpose.
Alessia Russo 7
Had one excellent strike disallowed for Toone’s offside, and hit the post shortly after. Unlucky not to end up on the scoresheet. Conceded a penalty in the second half which appeared harsh. Lively.
Subs:
Jess Park (Toone, 46’) 7
One nice run at the German defence. Bright and positive.
Alex Greenwood (Williamson, 61’) 6
Moved into centre-back to replace Williamson on the hour mark and did OK.
Chloe Kelly (Russo, 72’) 5
Didn’t have many opportunities to run with the ball.
Jess Naz (Mead, 82’) N/A
Maya Le Tissier (Bronze, 82’ N/A
Not used: Earps, Moorhouse, Morgan, Beever-Jones, Clinton, Parker
