England Women: The real winners on historic day

ENGLAND Women played their first official international at Wembley Stadium but the occasion ended in disappointment with a comprehensive 3-0 defeat by Germany.

It was a historic milestone for Marc Sampson’s side in front of 55,000 fans – smashing their previous best attendance of 29,092 when the Three Lions faced Finland at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium in 2005.

Wonderful to see how many people have turned out to support our women’s team play Germany, come on the Lionesses, England’s behind you!

— Helen Grant MP (@HelenGrantMP) November 23, 2014

Fantastic to read that 55,000 will be at Wembley to see England women v Germany women. Good luck to all players especially those from @MCWFC

— Yaya Touré (@YayaToure) November 23, 2014

All tickets were sold for the friendly game, which surpassed the original target of 25,000, and there could have been more had sales not been capped because of London Underground engineering work taking place over the weekend.

The record crowd saw 15,000 more supporters come through the turnstiles than the men’s team against Norway in September.

Disappointing afternoon for England's women footballers, but this is just beginning. Crowd records broken + profile from #WorldCup to come

— James Pearce (@Pearcesport) November 23, 2014

It was the second time a senior Ladies team had taken to the field at the national stadium after Team GB’s memorable 1-0 win over Brazil during the 2012 London Olympic Games.

The contest, televised live on BBC2, begun England’s preparations for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup – which will be staged in Canada, with the draw taking place in Ottawa on 6 December.

Earlier on Sunday, the BBC announced it will broadcast every game next summer on TV, radio and online, providing the most comprehensive coverage a women’s tournament has ever received.

Every game from the 2015 Fifa Women's World Cup will broadcast @BBCTwo/@bbcthree/@BBCRedButton http://t.co/rjqO5pDj9q pic.twitter.com/xjoqxI5kNf

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 23, 2014

Both England and Germany qualified with 10 wins from 10 matches and met for the first time since the Germans ran out 6-2 winners in the 2009 European Championship final in Helsinki.

Germany retained the trophy in 2013 by winning a tournament in which England failed to progress beyond the group stages, leading to a change in management with 31-year-old Sampson taking over from Hope Powell last December.

The Three Lions were confident of beating two-time World Cup winners Germany for the first time and, despite torrential rain in north London, were backed by a healthy crowd who generated a buoyant atmosphere.

.@England Women's star Karen Carney is receiving a special golden cap to mark her 100th appearance for her country. #EngvGer #OurTimeIsNow

— England (@England) November 23, 2014

A huge cheer was reserved for Karen Carney as the Birmingham Ladies midfielder, 27, received a special cap before kick-off in honour of her 100th appearance for the national team.

England, who thrashed Montenegro 10-0 in their previous outing in September, almost took the lead inside 12 seconds when Arsenal midfielder Jordan Nobbs struck the crossbar with a long-range drive.

But Germany quickly showed their superiority by racing into a two-goal lead within 12 minutes as England defender Alex Scott glanced a corner into her own net before Celia Sasic slotted past goalkeeper Karen Bardsley.

The killer blow came on the stroke of half-time when prolific Frankfurt striker Sasic headed home a third from close range.

England, whose team included Manchester City pair Steph Houghton and Toni Duggan, threatened during a dull second period but could not get on the scoresheet.

England's women footballers showing they can match the men by getting bashed by Germany.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 23, 2014

Although the result was merely academic on a landmark day for the exposure of the women’s game, which continues to grow and gain greater awareness throughout the country.

Mark Sampson:"It was an incredible occasion & I can't thank the supporters enough. The players will remember this for a long time." #EngvGer

— England (@England) November 23, 2014

The profile of and the media interest surrounding Ladies’ football is at its highest following a thrilling Women’s Super League season as Liverpool claimed the title on the final day before Manchester City lifted the Continental Cup for the first time.