England U21s 2-3 Germany U21s
Group B, Nordic Tournament
6pm, 20 August 2006
Froyland

England Women's U21s lost 3-2 to Germany in the Nordic Cup, and after being within a victory of Saturday's final, this defeat and a victory for Sweden now mean Brent Hills' side will play in the 5/6th play-off instead.

Germany went into the break 1-0 up and extended their lead with two further goals within five minutes in the second half, giving them a 3-0 advantage by the hour mark.

A flurry of substitutions followed with all seven England subs coming on, a move that brought two late England goals and the flicker of an audacious comeback.

Gemma Davison pulled a goal back in the 90th minute and with four minutes of added time played, Shelly Cox scored a second.

Despite laying siege to the Germany goal, the young Lions could not find a third, a result that Brent graciously admitted would have flattered his side.

"We got what we deserved tonight" Brent told TheFA.com "and too many unforced errors went punished.

"The Germans were technically sound and very athletic but not the best side the girls have played but unfortunately tonight we were second best."

Despite the defeat, which for Germany avenged England's penalty shoot-out victory last year in the 3/4th place play-off, Brent still gained encouragement from some of his substitutes.

"When we made the changes, it made a big difference" added Brent "and our best two players tonight were two of the youngest; Steph Houghton and Fern Whelan.

"Natasha Hughes came on for her first game at this level and was not overawed either, so although we are all disappointed tonight, the girls have to use the experience and finish strong in our final game on Saturday afternoon."

England: Siobhan Chamberlain, Amy Kane, Michelle Hickmott, Katie Holtham, Laura Bassett, Steph Houghton, Jill Scott, Michelle Evans, Jodie Taylor, Gemma Davison, Lianne Sanderson

Subs: Nicola Hobbs, Rachael Axon, Fern Whelan, Shelly Cox, Anita Asante, Kelly McDougall, Natasha Hughes,