Lots for England to learn from Germany defeat says Carter | OneFootball

Defender Jess Carter says that there is lots for England to learn from their 4-3 international friendly defeat to Germany at Wembley last night.

The Lionesses were ripped apart in a relentless opening half-hour for the visitors. A Giulia Gwinn double and a Klara Bühl goal gave Germany a 3-0 advantage. Georgia Stanway’s quick-fire double delivered England renewed hope but a Sara Däbritz penalty made sure of a German win before Lucy Bronze netted a late consolation.

When speaking to the media after the match, England defender Carter said that it had been a crazy evening.

“It’s the start of a brand new campaign for both teams and both teams are starting fresh with new players, trying to figure out style of play, how they want to play and perform,” Carter said. “It was a bit end-to-end and a bit crazy to be honest.”

Carter went on to discuss how England were stretched by Germany and she says that the Lionesses can learn a lot from the defeat.

She said “Germany’s movement was excellent, that’s what was causing us a lot of issues and kind of dragging us.

“We want to be aggressive, we want to be a pressing team and obviously, rotation makes that harder, trying to get those lines of communication right. At times, it was hard to communicate because with the crowd, you couldn’t hear each other so well. We had a lot of challenges today and I think at times, we managed to figure it out well and at times, we clearly didn’t.

“There are a lot of things that we can learn from today. We never want to lose but at the same time, I’d rather it be now than nine months down the line [at the EUROs].”

England struggled in their defensive third. Several players have endured hectic starts to the club season, playing domestic and European games, but Carter says that the Lionesses’ defensive struggles were maybe as a result of mental challenges rather than physical challenges.

She said “I can’t speak on behalf of the other girls but for me personally, it was a mental game of trying to work out if I am going short with the winger that’s dragging me or if I’m staying with the full-back.

“It was definitely a tiring game because it was so transitional for both teams. I don’t think anyone can come off and say it was an easy game.”

England return to action on Tuesday evening when they face South Africa in an international friendly at The Coventry Building Society Arena in Coventry.