England’s women’s national football team suffered a rude awakening on Friday as they were outclassed by a ruthless Germany side in a thrilling 4-3 defeat at Wembley Stadium. The match, a rematch of the Euro 2022 final which saw the Lionesses crowned champions of Europe, exposed alarming defensive frailties that raise serious questions about England’s readiness to defend their title next summer.
Defensive Horror Show Leaves Wiegman With Plenty to Ponder
From the very first whistle, England’s usually reliable backline looked all at sea against a dynamic German attack. A calamitous error from Millie Bright gifted Germany an early penalty, which Giulia Gwinn duly converted. Further lapses in concentration from Jess Carter and Leah Williamson allowed the visitors to race into a shocking 3-0 lead inside 30 minutes.
It was alarming to see how easily Germany unpicked England’s defense. This performance was a world away from the commanding displays we saw at the Euros.
– Emily Keough, football analyst
Even the usually reliable Lucy Bronze looked off the pace, as she struggled to contain the elusive German wingers. Manager Sarina Wiegman now faces a defensive selection headache ahead of the upcoming internationals against South Africa and the United States, as well as next year’s Euros.
Stanway Shines But Attacking Woes Persist
Amid the defensive chaos, Georgia Stanway provided a rare bright spark for England, netting a well-taken brace to briefly halve the deficit. However, the Lionesses’ overall attacking play lacked its usual fluency and ruthlessness.
Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp both saw goals chalked off for offside, while Beth Mead, so often the creative spark, struggled to impact the game. With prolific goalscorer Ellen White having retired, Wiegman must quickly find a reliable source of goals if England are to retain their European crown.
Hampton Stakes Claim for Number One Spot
One positive for England was the performance of goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. The Chelsea shot-stopper, who has usurped Mary Earps as Wiegman’s preferred choice between the sticks, made several impressive saves and could do little about Germany’s well-taken goals.
With Hampton now firmly established as England’s number one, Wiegman will hope that a settled presence in goal can provide a platform for her side to rebuild their defensive solidity ahead of the challenges to come.
Impressive Germany Lay Down Marker Under New Manager
For Germany, this result marks an impressive start to life under new manager Christian Wück. The former men’s youth coach seems to have quickly instilled a sense of tactical discipline and ruthless efficiency in his new-look side.
With only two starters remaining from the team that lost the Euro 2022 final, Wück’s rebuilding job is already bearing fruit. If Germany can maintain this level of performance, they will surely be among the favourites to lift the trophy next summer.
Wiegman Facing Biggest Test Yet
For Sarina Wiegman, this chastening defeat represents arguably the biggest challenge of her England tenure to date. The Dutchwoman must now rally her troops and find solutions to the defensive issues laid bare by Germany, all while trying to reinvigorate a stuttering attack.
This leaves Wiegman with plenty to think about. Though their Euros place is secure, the countdown has started and this performance lacked precision and intensity.
– Tom Hamilton, football correspondent
With just under a year until the Euros kick off on home soil, the pressure is on for Wiegman to mastermind a successful title defense. On the evidence of this display, there is much work to be done if the Lionesses are to roar again next summer.
