Germany spoil England’s party in front of 77,000 at Wembley

GERMANY spoiled the party for England’s women, striking late on to earn a 2-1 victory in front of a record-breaking crowd at Wembley.

An attendance of 77,768 was recorded, which smashed the previous best for an England women’s home fixture, but fell slightly short of the best crowd for a women’s match in the UK.

The target was the 80,023 spectators who turned up at Wembley for the Olympic final in 2012 between the United States and Japan.

When Alexandra Popp put the Germans ahead after three minutes, it looked like it could be a long night for Phil Neville’s team, but they bounced back.

Nikita Parris’ missed penalty was initially costly before Ellen White produced a trademark finish, although Klara Buhl’s late goal handed the visitors a 21st win over their rivals from 26 meetings.

A sea of England flags and a huge amount of noise greeted both teams onto the pitch at a wet and cold Wembley.

It did little to dampen the spirits of those in attendance who created a special and vibrant atmosphere.

The previous meeting between the teams at Wembley in 2014 saw a frantic start with Jordan Nobbs hitting the crossbar after eight seconds and it was a case of deja vu this time.

Germany were on the front foot from the off and in the third minute went ahead when captain Popp opened the scoring.

A fine move down the right saw Kathrin Hendrich pick out the forward and she headed home to make it a nightmare start for Neville.

England’s supporters were limited to cheering brief attacks, but the decibel levels inside the ground went through the roof every time the home side entered the opposition half.

While Germany’s head coach was all smiles, Neville was furious – especially in the 19th minute when Jill Scott had to make a crucial block from a corner.

Slowly but surely the English eased their way into the occasion, with Beth Mead a constant nuisance for the visitors in a red and black strip. An injury to the Arsenal attacker, after a horror challenge by Sara Doorsoun, just before the halfhour mark almost halted England’s momentum, but she was fine to continue and in the 35th minute won a spot-kick.

White played Mead through and she just managed to beat Merle Frohms to the ball, which left referee Stephanie Frappart with no option but to point to the spot.

The yellow card shown to the Germany number one was roundly booed and then expected cheers turned to gasps when Parris had her penalty saved.

It was a poor effort but well stopped by the legs of Frohms, ensuring the Lyon forward’s problems from 12 yards continued.

England were beginning to hit their straps and a minute before half-time levelled.

Keira Walsh produced a wonderful cross into the area and White made a classic run before poking home before Wembley witnessed the goggles celebration for the first time. It was a timely boost for Neville and gave his side something to build on in the second period, but the offside flag saved them in the 61st minute as Lina Magull tapped in after Mary Earps had denied Buhl.

A raft of substitutions were made by both teams not long after, with White leaving to a rousing reception and 19-year-old Lauren Hemp coming on for only her second cap.

The two sides were both pushing for a winner and it was Germany who grabbed the decisive second a minute from time.

Captain Steph Houghton had made two key interventions moments earlier, but was unable to get across to block Buhl’s low shot which nestled into the bottom corner.

It was tough to take for the losers and a disappointing end to a fantastic occasion, but that is now five defeats in seven games for Neville’s side.