England Women lose 2-1 to Germany in SheBelieves Cup

England's chances of winning the SheBelieves Cup were dashed as an own goal and a controversial penalty decision helped Germany to record a 2-1 win in Nashville.

Germany scored twice in the last 15 minutes to snatch victory from Mark Sampson's side, leaving them winless from two of their three round-robin fixtures. Having lost to World Cup holders USA 1-0 on Thursday, they are now unable to win the contest as they head into the final fixture on Wednesday against France. 

This was the second meeting between the two sides since England's 1-0 victory in the World Cup third-place play-off last summer, with the teams drawing 0-0 in November's friendly.

Ending Germany's 560-minute run without conceding a goal, England's women took the early advantage to keep their Cup hopes alive. Toni Duggan netted a header from Alex Greenwood's cross after just nine minutes, a lead which they held until the 76th minute. 

Germany had an opportunity to score a minute before the end of the first half, but England captain Steph Houghton managed to put off striker Isabel Kerschowski to maintain a 1-0 lead at the break. 

England had a chance to extend their lead in the second period but Alex Scott was unable to capitalise on a cross from Demi Stokes, and soon after began an unfortunate run for the Lionesses.

Mandy Islacker was ruled offside during her attempt in the 74th minute, but only two minutes later Germany drew level. Sara Dabritz crossed the ball into the box from the right wing, and Gilly Flaherty inadvertently deflected it past her own keeper at Karen Bardsley's near post. 

With only nine minutes to go, the German team scored the second and final goal of the match to snatch victory. On her 150th appearance for England, Fara Williams was adjudged to have fouled Alexandra Popp and Babett Peter sent a low spot-kick past Bardsley on her right side.

Greenwood, whose cross to Duggan helped England to their only goal of the evening, tweeted: "Devastated with the result tonight again I thought we deserved more, sometimes things dont go your way,now to focus on France"

Houghton also weighed in, tweeting "Hugely disappointed with the result but... So proud of the squad! We move onto the next one!"

England and France will battle to avoid finishing bottom of the group when they meet on Tuesday (10pm GMT) in Boca Raton, Florida.