England remain a work in progress

THE result may not have gone England’s way, but the overriding feeling was that yesterday’s historic game at Wembley represented a huge turning point for the women’s game.

A win over European Champions Germany would have been the cherry on top for the first women’s international at the national stadium in front of a record crowd, but it was one step too far for a team still going through a transitional stage under Mark Sampson.

The Three Lionesses have made huge strides in the Welshman’s first year in charge and there is no doubt they will continue to improve ahead of next summer’s World Cup, but on a rained-soaked afternoon they couldn’t overcome a team they have failed to beat in 20 previous attempts.

An Alex Scott own goal and a Celine Sasic double sealed victory for Germany, but the bigger picture will be the impact that a game watched by over 45,000 will have on the future of women’s football in England.

There was 55,000 tickets sold for the match in total, but perhaps the weather along with planned closures on the London Underground kept the attendance from being even bigger.

“Hopefully it’s been a good occasion that will improve the interest in the game,” Sampson said. “The interest in the last month has been far greater than we have ever had.

“It’s a shame we didn’t get result we wanted, but I hope the game will act as spring board.

“I hope the people who came today or watched on television will continue to support England but also their local teams in the WSL. The game is going through a transition and the more support we can get off the field would help to bridge that gap. It’s certainly an ambition to play here every year.

“It’s a huge step forward for the women’s game and hopefully it will be a stepping stone for us to move forward.”

If anything, the occasion demonstrated how healthy the game is in the North-East with four of Sampson’s starting line-up hailing from the region.

Steph Houghton, Lucy Bronze, Jordan Nobbs and Demi Stokes all came up through the ranks at Sunderland, while Jill Scott and Carly Telford – also graduates from the Lady Black Cats - were on the bench.

It was almost a dream start for England when County Durham’s Nobbs won the ball in Germany’s half and hit a powerful shot that smashed off Almuth Schult’s crossbar.

But the visitors also came flying out the traps and straight after England hit the woodwork Karen Bardsley made a good save to deny Melanie Leupolz at the other end.

In 20 attempts the Lionesses have failed to overcome Germany and in the sixth minute they fell behind.

Melanie Behringer swung in a dangerous corner and Simone Laudehr got to the ball first to glance home past Bardsley, although replays showed Scott had got the final touch.

The Lionesses conceded just one goal in ten World Cup qualifiers, but within 12 minutes they had shipped two when a mix-up between Fara Williams and Houghton saw the striker race through and finish low into the far corner.

England’s ability to handle big occasions has been criticised in the past after a string of poor performances at major championships, but yesterday they found themselves up against a side ranked second in the world and it showed, despite Neid’s side missing six first-team players through injury.

August’s 4-0 win over Sweden suggested Sampson’s side were ready to stand up and be counted amongst the elite nations, but their first half performance demonstrated this team is still a work in progress with six months to go before the World Cup in Canada.

Against Sweden at Hartlepool United’s Victoria Park, England played some high-tempo free-flowing football, but they found life difficult this time and resorted to playing long balls up to Eni Aluko, Toni Duggan and Lianne Sanderson.

As the half wore on the hosts did find their feet. Nobbs forced a nervy save from Schult, who just managed to keep the Arsenal’s midfielder’s header from crossing the line before Fara Williams’ half volley also tested the Germany keeper.

However, their hopes of going in at the break with half a chance were dashed when Sasic headed in Tabea Kemme’s cross in the 45th minute.

England improved after the break, but clear-cut chances remained at a premium. Sampson introduced Fran Kirby and Jill Scott to inject some energy and both midfielders caused problems.

Kirby’s mazy run almost led to an opening for Duggan, while Scott hit the side-netting from close range after good work by substitute Jo Potter in the dying moments.