Wembley Stadium was the scene of an exhilarating seven-goal showdown on Friday, but England’s 4-3 defeat to Germany exposed defensive vulnerabilities as Sarina Wiegman’s side began preparations for their European Championship title defense next summer in Switzerland.
Germany raced to a commanding 3-0 lead within the first 30 minutes, capitalizing on England’s defensive lapses.
The visitors dominated early on, with precise passing and clinical finishing putting the Lionesses on the back foot. England’s midfield struggled to contain Germany’s rapid transitions, while the backline faltered under pressure, leading to costly individual errors.
England midfielder Georgia Stanway admitted that the game provided plenty of entertainment for the fans but was far from what the team had intended.
“It’s one for the fans but not one for us,” she reflected after the match, acknowledging the chaos from the first whistle.
Despite the loss, she stressed that Germany’s quality as a “world-class team” should not be overlooked, given their trophy-winning history and the fact that they, too, are starting a new campaign.
Stanway sparked hope for the Lionesses with two quick goals late in the first half, closing the gap to 3-2 before the break.
Her strikes, the first from a well-placed shot and the second a powerful drive from the edge of the box, energized the crowd and shifted momentum back to the hosts.
However, the comeback effort proved short-lived as Germany extended their lead again in the second half, taking advantage of England’s continued defensive frailties.
England’s struggles were evident as individual mistakes repeatedly left them vulnerable, with poor marking and a lack of cohesion at the back allowing Germany to find space in dangerous areas.
The visitors sealed the win with a well-taken goal in the final 15 minutes, ensuring that England’s rally would fall short.
Wiegman was candid about her side’s performance, noting that there is much work to be done in the coming months. “We know we have things to work on,” she said.
“These matches are about learning, and while we always aim to win, it’s important to address the weaknesses that were on display.”
The Lionesses’ defeat serves as a wake-up call, with Stanway emphasizing the importance of the experience gained from such high-stakes encounters.
“As a whole, I don’t think we need to be disappointed too much,” she said. “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.”
England will now focus on improving their defensive organization and reducing individual errors as they continue to fine-tune their preparations for next summer.
While the loss at Wembley may have highlighted some concerns, it also provided valuable insights that could prove crucial as they aim to retain their European crown in Switzerland.
The Lionesses will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures as they refine their tactics and build the resilience needed to overcome Europe’s best teams when the tournament arrives.
