England vs Germany LIVE: Result and latest reaction after Lionesses beaten in seven-goal thriller

Perhaps the only positive for England is there can be no avoiding the reality now. For the Lionesses, there was no repeat of their glorious victory over Germany at Wembley. Instead, a rematch of the Euro 2022 final served up a warning ahead of England’s European Championship defence next summer. The Lionesses were complacent and error-strewn as a refreshed, reshaped Germany team repeatedly tore through England. Had it not been for Germany’s own calamitous defending, the scoreline could have been even more of an embarrassment.

“A game of a very high level, two teams that are really equal and wanted to attack. It was an open game, for me a little bit too open at times. We had too many players in front of the ball and wanted to press high, and if you do that wrong against Germany, they are really dangerous. We had moments where we lost the ball through unforced errors, and then they are gone.

“If we’d taken out those unforced errors more, then they can’t counter attack. We want to press higher but we need to find the triggers of when we wait and be compact, and when we go.

“This is why we play these top level games. We are being challenged, and that’s what we want. We want to see where we are now and get as much information as possible. That’s what we really need moving forward in our preparation for the Euros.”

Some tough questions for Sarina Wiegman after that performance. Having backed Hannah Hampton and Leah Williamson in a couple of big selection calls, both struggled to assert themselves, with Williamson particularly now surely under pressure for her place. The Arsenal defender just looks a little off the pace still.

The England manager should be up in front of the microphone shortly.

“Initially, my first reaction is that I’m disappointed,” the Lionesses midfielder tells ITV. “For them to score so early and take their lead so high, it’s not like us. It’s good that we got back into the game, and the penalty was a little unfortunate I think. It is one we have got to learn from. We didn’t know what to expect with a new manager and changes within their squad, but that showcases how good they are.

“We needed to adjust our shape. We needed to be more compact. As soon as we changed our shape, we were able to regain the ball more and get them a few times on the counter-attack. I think it could have been 5-5 at half time. The teams were pretty even, but obviously the result went their way. It’s not about us not being at it - Germany are good, a world-class team. We know we’ve got things to work on.”

A better ball, and a corner. Lauren Hemp scampers to take it.

Too close to Ann-Katrin Berger, who makes absolutely certain of the catch this time.

Another free kick for England within delivering range. Jess Carter hits the deck under contact.

An outstanding run from Jessica Naz leaves Sophia Kleinherne with no option but to bring the England forward down. A good chance to deliver, and up the cavalry come to try to latch on to Alex Greenwood’s delivery.

No dice. Germany clear their lines.

England have six minutes to find their fourth goal and square things up.

Jess Carter makes sure Endemann does not progress beyond Alex Greenwood as the lively German again makes inroads down the right. Vital recovery running from Carter, who had pushed forward in search of a leveller.