In a pulsating friendly clash at Wembley, European champions England suffered a stunning 4-3 defeat to a resurgent Germany side, exposing defensive frailties that will concern coach Sarina Wiegman with just nine months until their Euro 2024 title defense begins. A Giulia Gwinn double and goals from Linda Dallmann and Klara Bühl gave the visitors a commanding lead, before Georgia Stanway’s brace and a late Lucy Bronze strike set up a tense finish.
Germany’s Fast Start Stuns Lionesses
Germany, under new manager Christian Wück, wasted no time in asserting their authority. A defensive mixup between Leah Williamson and Millie Bright allowed debutant Giovanna Hoffmann to tee up Linda Dallmann, who was brought down by Bright in the box. Giulia Gwinn coolly converted the resulting penalty to give the visitors a shock lead.
Russo Denied by VAR
England thought they had equalized moments later when Alessia Russo finished off a slick move involving Ella Toone, but the celebrations were cut short by a VAR review that ruled Toone offside in the buildup. It was a let-off for Germany, who promptly doubled their advantage through a stunning Gwinn solo effort.
We started slowly and paid the price. Germany were clinical and exposed our defensive issues. We need to learn from this quickly.
– England coach Sarina Wiegman
Bühl Piles on the Misery
With England shell-shocked, Germany struck again on the counter-attack. Klara Bühl was afforded too much space on the left flank and rifled a fierce shot past Hannah Hampton at her near post to make it 3-0 inside 30 minutes. The Lionesses were in disarray.
Stanway Sparks Hope
Georgia Stanway gave England a lifeline from the penalty spot after a VAR review determined that Gwinn had handled Lauren Hemp’s cross. The Manchester City midfielder then reduced the arrears further, firing home after good work from Russo and Beth Mead to make it 3-2 at the break.
We showed great character to fight back from 3-0 down. But we can’t afford to give teams like Germany a head start like that.
– England goalscorer Georgia Stanway
Controversial Penalty Settles It
England pushed for an equalizer in the second half but were undone by a controversial penalty decision. Russo was adjudged to have fouled Pia-Sophie Wolter with a high foot, despite replays suggesting she won the ball first. Sara Däbritz converted from the spot to restore Germany’s two-goal cushion.
Bronze Consolation Not Enough
Lucy Bronze bundled home a late third for England after Germany keeper Ann-Katrin Berger fumbled Hemp’s free-kick, but it was too little, too late for the Lionesses. The 4-3 scoreline flattered Wiegman’s side, who were comprehensively outplayed for large periods.
Defensive Frailties a Concern
This was the first time England had conceded four goals under Wiegman, and only the second time they had shipped more than two since the Dutchwoman took charge in September 2021. The Lionesses’ defensive vulnerabilities will be a major worry with the Euros looming and world champions the USA also on the horizon.
We have to be more solid at the back. Too many individual errors and lapses in concentration. Germany ruthlessly punished us.
– England defender Lucy Bronze
For Germany, this was a statement victory under new boss Wück. The scoreline may have been close in the end, but the visitors were good value for their win. With key players like Lena Oberdorf and Svenja Huth to return, they will fancy their chances of reclaiming the Euro crown they lost so dramatically to England at Wembley two years ago.
Hard Work Ahead for Wiegman
England, meanwhile, have much to ponder. Their defensive display was shambolic at times, and Wiegman’s decision to stick with the tried and tested rather than blood in-form youngsters like Jessica Park and Aggie Beever-Jones backfired spectacularly. With just two more friendlies before the serious business of Euro 2024 begins, the Lionesses need to rediscover their mojo – and fast.
