England Women’s Under 23s started their 2025-26 season with a 5-0 defeat to reigning WU23 European champions Germany.
Under the pouring rain at the Sportpark Johannisau in Fulda, Emma Coates’ side were two goals down at half time to penalties conceded in quick succession.
Larissa Mühlhaus beat Natalia Negri with the first ad after Freya Gregory threatened an equaliser, sent the Lionesses” goalkeeper the wrong way with the second.
Sophie Weidauer made it 3-0 with a volley following a block by Negri and also bagged a brace with a drive into the bottom corner.
Mathilde Janzen glanced in the fifth from a corner, while Hannah Silcock could not quite get her foot round a close-range chance at the other end.
The Under 23s are back home to face Portugal on Monday at Northampton Town FC, with a 7pm kick-off.