Rebecca Knaak’s 87th-minute goal gave Germany victory over England Women’s Under-19s in their Euro finals opener.
Young Lionesses boss Mo Marley took her squad to Israel to compete in the annual round-robin tournament, which England won in 2009.
But it was four-time winners Germany who struck first. Lea Schüller caught Liverpool’s Katie Zelem in possession and fed Nina Ehegötz.
England 1-2 Germany
UEFA Women's U19s Championship finals
Group B
Wednesday 15 July
Haberfeld Stadium, Rishon Le-zion, Israel
The striker had time and space to steady herself before calmly dinking the ball over Caitlin Leach in the England goal.
Marley’s charges responded on the half-hour mark. Rosella Ayane sent an inviting cross into the box which Gabrielle George, up from left-back, steered into the far corner to restore parity.
Both sides had chances in an open second half, but the decisive play came with just three minutes remaining as Knaak climbed highest to head home Madeline Gier’s corner.
England centre back Ellie Stewart thumped a header against the bar in the second minute of added time and Germany held on for all three points.
The Young Lionesses will have to pick themselves up for the second Group B match, against Spain, who defeated Norway 4-0 in their opening fixture, on Sunday.
England (4-3-3): 1 Caitlin Leach (Aston Villa); 2 Eloise Wilson (Reading), 5 Ellie Stewart (Everton), Molly Bartrip (Reading), 3 Gabrielle George (Everton); 10 Katie Zelem (Liverpool), 4 Jodie Brett (captain; Chelsea), 8 Jenna Dear (Chelsea); 7 Claudia Walker (Everton), 9 Natasha Flint (Manchester City), 11 Rosella Ayane (Chelsea).
Substitutes: 14 Millie Turner (Everton) for Dear 68, 17 Jenna Legg (Chelsea) for Ayane 77
Substitutes not used: 13 Sophie Baggaley (Birmingham City), 12 Taome Oliver (Arsenal), 15 Elisha N’Dow (Aston Villa), 16 Ashlee Brown (Birmingham City), 18 Mollie Green (Liverpool).
Goals: George 30
Head coach: Mo Marley
Referee: Lina Lehtovaara (FIN)
