More questions than answers for England in defeat

The fans were entertained at Wembley Stadium but the nature of much of the excitement would not have been what England intended during their 4-3 defeat by Germany.

This was the start of England’s preparations to defend their European crown in Switzerland next summer and their weaknesses were ruthlessly exploited.

“It’s one for the fans but not one for us,” England midfielder Georgia Stanway said afterwards as she reflected on the seven-goal thriller.

It was chaotic from start to finish as Germany raced to a 3-0 lead within half an hour before Stanway’s quick double closed the gap.

But individual errors and defensive frailties continued to prove costly for Sarina Wiegman’s side and Germany extended their lead in the second half, eventually wrapping up a deserved victory in London.

“I don’t think it’s about us not being at it. Germany are good. You can’t back away from the fact they are a world-class team,” said Stanway.

“They have won many trophies in the past and are starting a new campaign just like we are. We know we have things to work on.

“As a whole, I don’t think we need to be disappointed too much. We have a long process to be right for the Euros.

“This is a step in the direction – whether it’s a good one or a bad one. It’s a way that we can learn.”

While it was only a friendly and there are still more than eight months to go until Euro 2025, the ease in which Germany were able to punish England in the first half was concerning.

On too many occasions, England’s defence was split apart by a single pass, while the gaps across the pitch were alarming and individual errors piled up.

Germany’s opener came from a mistake by captain Leah Williamson, who gave the ball straight to Linda Dallmann and she was brought down by Millie Bright to earn a penalty.

Jess Carter and Lauren Hemp’s failure to track Giulia Gwinn led to the second goal and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was beaten too easily at her near post when Klara Buhl fired in a third through the legs of defender Lucy Bronze.

It was a seemless stream of errors compounded by Germany’s ruthlessness on the counter-attack, but Wiegman insisted this was the test they wanted.

“I didn’t want the result. I wanted us to do a couple of things better of course and I’m not the only one – the players did too,” she said.

“That was disappointing but I think it was a very high-level game where there were so many challenges for us and also for them. That’s what we wanted at this stage.

“It gave us so much information and showed us exactly what we need to do better and the challenges tactically we had – and so did they.”

Wiegman’s explanation for the goals was “losing the ball in moments we don’t want to lose the ball”, adding that England needed to work on the timing of their high press.

Going forward, England were reasonably effective. Alessia Russo and Beth Mead caused problems, while Ella Toone struck agonisingly wide in the first half.

They also showed resilience to come from 3-0 down to close the gap to 3-2 shortly before half-time – but it is clear the Lionesses have work to do before next summer.

Focus in the build-up to the match this week was on Wiegman’s team selection, with several regular starters struggling for domestic form.

Williamson, who lifted the European trophy two years ago, kept her place despite calls for Manchester City centre-back Alex Greenwood to come in.

She struggled before being taken off in a planned substitution in the second half, while in-form United midfielder Grace Clinton did not get on the pitch.

Goalkeeper Hampton fought off competition from Mary Earps for her place – but it is not secure after a mixed performance.

Wiegman was pressed on her team selection but said she had no regrets and was “happy” with the starting XI she chose.

“That’s always easy to say after a game. If we had won then the question is different. I’m happy with the starting line-up and the team,” she said.

“What we wanted is to see other players, which we did, and we know there is huge competition going on. That is good for the team.”

Tottenham’s Jess Naz, Manchester City’s Jess Park and United captain Maya Le Tissier were among those to come on as substitutes, while Greenwood replaced Williamson an hour in.

But it was the same starting XI that drew 0-0 with Sweden in July, and seven of the 11 players had lined up to face Germany in the Euro 2022 final.

This was the first of four friendly matches in 2024, giving Wiegman plenty of opportunity to experiment with her team selection.

She may still do that with South Africa to come on Tuesday, but this felt very much like the tried and tested – and it ultimately failed to impress.

All in all, England will leave Wembley Stadium with more questions than answers.