England women bow out

England's European Women's Championship challenge came to an end in Jena today with a 3-0 defeat against Germany in their final group game.

England, who lined up with a number of players making their first appearances in the tournament, started the game well, and had chances to score in the first half through Karen Burke and Karen Walker.

However, the Germans stepped up the pace in the second half, and scored three times in 11 minutes to secure top place in Group A. Petra Wimbersky scored the opening goal after 57 minutes. Bettina Wiegmann and Renta Lingot added the other goals.

England's exit from the tournament was completed when Kelly Smith missed a penalty in the dying minutes.

England: Pauline Cope, Danielle Murphy, Rachel Unit (sub: Julie Fletcher - 64 mins ) Faye White, Katie Chapman, Karen Burke, Tara Proctor (capt), Samantha Britton (sub: Vicky Exley - 76 mins), Sue Smith, Karen Walker, Kelly Smith (subs:Angela Banks - 90 mins)

Substitutes not used: Leanne Hall, Rachel Brown, Becky Easton, Mo Marley, Rachel Yankey, Marieanne Spacey

Germany: Silke Rottenberg, Stefanie Jones, Doris Fitschen (capt.), Pia Wunderlich, Sandra Smisek (sub. Martina Muller - HT), Birgit Prinz, Bettina Wiegmann, Claudia Muller (sub: Petra Wimbersky - HT), Sandra Minnert, Renate Lingor, Ariane Hingst,

Substitutes not used:Kerstin Stegemann, Linda Bresonik, Maren Meinert, Madleen Wilder, Navina Omilade, Tina Wunderlich, Nadine Angerer