Germany 0 England 1 (after extra time): England make World Cup history

England finished their memorable Women's World Cup campaign on a high note with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Germany in Saturday's third-place play-off.

Both sides had suffered devastating semi-final defeats, England succumbing to Japan courtesy of Laura Bassett's injury-time own-goal and Germany missing a penalty in their 2-0 loss to United States.

But it was Mark Sampson's England who managed to bounce back, with Fara Williams'106th-minute penalty proving enough to secure a maiden victory over the world number one-ranked Germany and ensure their best-ever World Cup finish in the process.

Tabea Kemme was the villain for Germany, needlessly hauling Lianne Sanderson down in the box and Williams retained her composure to calmly send Nadine Angerer the wrong way from the spot.

Clear-cut opportunities had been thin on the ground during an evenly-fought first-half of normal time, although England went close to suffering another own-goal horror in the eighth minute when Jo Potter's wayward header would have found the net had captain Steph Houghton not intervened acrobatically to hook the ball clear.

Houghton was then involved in her side's most threatening moment of the opening period moments later, firing straight at Angerer from close range.

And while both sides showed plenty of attacking intent, with Karen Carney, Lucy Bronze and Sara Daebritz very much to the fore, the defences managed to hold firm until the break.

The lively Daebritz then came agonisingly close to putting the Germans in front, her stinging volley forcing a stunning save from Karen Bardsley away to her right.

Kemme also went close for the two-time World Champions as she fired inches wide on 70 minutes, while at the other end, Williams' goal-bound, long-range drive was bravely blocked by Bianca Schmidt.

Eni Aluko's pace caused Germany problems as England threatened to nick it in normal time, but it was not until the second-half of extra-time that Williams finally secured the victory.

Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed