The English team needed a victory to have any chance of going through to the semi-finals.

 

In the first half, the German team was strong and keen to win, sending balls into the rival area that troubled England's defenders, but ultimately did not score.

 

By contrast, when England had the ball, the team moved it swiftly to mid-field, but Germany did not let itself be intimidated, and the balls went no further forward.

 

In the second half, both sides were determined to open scoring. Germany's Anke Kuehn gave England the opportunity in minute three, stopping a ball illegally with her legs, triggering a corner. Richardson swiftly scored.

 

The rest of the match was end-to-end play, but without clear goal-scoring opportunities. Coach Danny Kerry said: "I am delighted with our application and effort - I can't really ask for any more. It just shows the great character within the team.

 

"Before the tournament if I'd been offered the prospect of going into our last group game with a chance of making the semi-finals I would have taken it, definitely.

 

"But we have an incredibly tough game against the home side tomorrow."