England vs Germany LIVE: Result and latest reaction after the Lionesses’ defeat in a seven-goal thriller

Perhaps the only positive thing for England is that reality can no longer be avoided. For the Lionesses there was no repeat of their glorious victory over Germany at Wembley. Instead, a rematch of the 2022 European Championship final was a warning for England’s European Championship defense next summer. The Lionesses were complacent and full of mistakes as a refreshed, regrouped German side kept going against England. Without Germany’s disastrous defense, the result could have been even more embarrassing.

“A game at a very high level, two teams that were really equal and wanted to attack. It was an open game, sometimes a bit too open for me. 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. There were moments when we lost the ball due to unforced errors and then they were gone.

“If we had cleaned up those unforced errors more, they wouldn’t be able to counterattack anymore. We want to push higher, but we have to find the triggers of when to wait and stay compact and when to leave.

“That’s why we play these games at the highest level. We are challenged and that is what we want. We want to see where we are and get as much information as possible. This is what we really need to advance our preparation for the European Championships.”

Some tough questions for Sarina Wiegman after this performance. Having supported Hannah Hampton and Leah Williamson in some big selections, both have struggled to break through, with Williamson in particular certainly now under pressure for her place. The Arsenal defender still seems a little off the pace.

The England coach should be in front of the microphone shortly.

“My first reaction is that I’m disappointed,” the Lionesses midfielder told ITV. “For them to score so early and extend their lead so high is not like us. It’s good that we got back into the game and I think the penalty was a bit unfortunate. We have to learn from that. We didn’t know what to expect with a new coach and the changes in the squad, but this shows how good they are.

“We had to adjust our form. We had to be more compact. Once we changed our shape, we were able to win the ball back more often and win it a few times on counterattacks. I think it could have been 5-5 at halftime. The teams were fairly evenly matched, but the result was obviously to their liking. It’s not about us not making it – Germany is good, a world-class team. We know we have things to work on.”

A better ball and a corner. Lauren Hemp runs to get it.

Too close to Ann-Katrin Berger, who is absolutely sure of the catch this time.

Another free kick for England within reach. Jess Carter lands on contact with the deck.

An outstanding run from Jessica Naz leaves Sophia Kleinherne no choice but to bring down the Englishwoman. Good chance to deliver and the Cavalry move in to try and hold on to Alex Greenwood’s delivery.

No dice. Germany makes its lines clear.

England have six minutes to score their fourth goal and put things in order.

Jess Carter ensures Endemann doesn’t get past Alex Greenwood as the lively German pushes forward again on the right. Crucial recovery from Carter, who had pushed forward in search of an equaliser.