Young Lionesses Suffer First Defeat of 2025 Campaign.

The Young Lionesses kicked off their 2025 campaign with a narrow 3-2 defeat to Germany at the Poundland Bescot Stadium, despite a first-half brace from Michelle Agyemang.

Image taken from EnglandFootball.

England’s high press unsettled Germany early on, creating the first real chance as Mia Enderby found herself unmarked on the left wing, allowing her to tap the ball into the German area before being deflected by Borggrafe.

Michelle Agyemang opened the scoring in the fifth minute, capitalising on the space around her. After Ruby Grant’s initial shot was deflected, she powered the ball into the top-left corner, breaking the deadlock.

Germany hit back through Şehitler, who slotted home from close range, before putting the visitors ahead 14 minutes later. An indirect free kick at the edge of the box was cleverly worked to Şehitler, who fired into the top corner.

England pushed for a response, with Katie Robinson weaving through the German defence to set up Agyemang, only for her shot to be saved. The forward made no mistake minutes later, though, capitalising on Maisie Symonds’ strike off the woodwork to chip the ball into the net just before halftime.

Half-time: 2-2

Germany regained the lead shortly after the restart as Weidauer, fresh off the bench, latched onto a long-range pass from Diehm and powered her shot past Keating.

Maisie Symonds and Anouk Denton were instrumental in keeping England in the game during the second half - their awareness and ability to find space gave the backline crucial support for last-ditch defending.

In stoppage time, Khiara Keating pulled off a crucial save, rushing off her line to deny Germany a fourth. Despite England’s late push, they couldn’t find an equaliser.

The Young Lionesses now shift their focus to Tuesday’s clash against France in Stevenage.