Germany secured a well-deserved 4-3 win over England in an error-strewn women’s soccer friendly at Wembley on Friday, earning a winning start for new manager Christian Wuck.
While England were victorious the previous time the two teams met at Wembley — a 2-1 win in the UEFA Euro 2022 final — Germany dominated the first 30 minutes as the visitors romped to a 3-0 lead in a nightmare start for the Lionesses.
Captain Giulia Gwinn scored twice inside the first 11 minutes for the Paris Olympic bronze medalists, the first from the penalty spot in the fourth minute and the second when she took advantage of England’s shambolic defending to score. Klara Buhl netted Germany’s third in the 29th minute.
Photo:EPA-EFE
Georgia Stanway single-handedly got the home side back in the game with a three-minute brace, converting a penalty in the 33rd minute and then pouncing on a pass from Beth Mead over German keeper Ann-Katrin Berger.
Germany were the far better side after the break, slicing through England’s chaotic defense and peppering keeper Hannah Hampton with shots. It was the first time in manager Sarina Wiegman’s tenure as England boss the squad conceded four goals.
“Absolutely [there is work to do],” Weigman told ITV Sports. “That’s why we play these games. It’s top, top level games. We’re being challenged. And that’s what we want … we want to get as much information as possible.
“That’s what we really need moving forward in our preparation for the Euros,” she added.
Germany’s Sara Dabritz converted from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute, but England pulled one back nine minutes later when Berger mishandled the ball on a free kick and Lucy Bronze was there to smash it in.
England have two more home friendlies before the end of the year, against South Africa in Coventry on Tuesday and Olympic champions US at Wembley on Nov. 30.