City duo feature in England Under-23s’ loss to Germany | OneFootball

Naomi Layzell captained England’s Under-23s in their 5-0 defeat to Germany on Thursday evening.

And fellow City defender Gracie Prior featured as a second-half substitute as both gained valuable international experience in a frustrating night for the young Lionesses.

In their first fixture of the October international break, England travelled to Fulda, Germany, where blistering wind and a heavy downpour instantly made for a difficult setting.

The hosts took the lead from the spot, with Werder Bremen’s Larissa Muhlhaus converting from 12 yards out on 27 minutes.

Another penalty to the hosts was scored by Muhlhaus four minutes later, with England now facing a difficult uphill climb.

Germany continued to dominate in the second half and Sophie Weidauer made it three just before the hour mark as the rain continued to pour.

The Germany number nine scored her second of the night on 68 minutes, converting a rebound that fell kindly into her path.

Fortune continued to favour the hosts as substitute Mathilde Janzen saw England’s clearance of a Germany corner hit off her and into the back of the net for five.

Prior then entered the fold, seeing the Blue duo play alongside each other in the centre-back positions.

She helped the Lionesses hold out for the final 15 minutes without conceding another as England fell to a disappointing defeat against a clinical Germany outfit.

England’s Under-23s will be back in action again next week as they look to put on a more positive performance against Portugal at Northampton Town’s Sixfields Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 (UK) on Monday 27 October.