AET: Germany 0-1 England

1. England finish third at Women's World Cup
2. England's first win over Germany
3. Williams sends keeper the wrong way
4. Kemme drags down Sanderson for penalty

Farewell

But, for me, that is where I leave you this morning.

What an evening it has been though. 

It has been a pleasure.

World Cup final

Don't forget you can also watch Monday's World Cup final between the holders Japan and the USA live on the BBC.

Coverage begins on BBC Two at 23:30 BST on Sunday night, while you could also watch online and follow live text commentary.

Commentary will also be on BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra from 23:32 BST.

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And still the player tweets keep coming...

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England's former players enjoyed that win too...

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Regarding the penalty: "Just put it in the goal Fara!" On the match "We deserved it. Every game been there fighting away. Played three of the top nations, France, Japan, Germany. This team are incredible. On support: "The support has been incredible, awesome, amazing. It has made such a difference.

Mark SampsonEngland coach

I don't know where they get it from. They dug deep. Life is horrible sometimes. It's really tough. You get a kick in the teeth and we had a massive kick in the teeth the other day. But we wanted to show the world today, everyone has a tough time, dust yourself down and go again.

Mark SampsonEngland coach

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I felt we wanted it more than the Germans and we deserved it. I'm so happy the girls won and got the bronze medal.

Lindsay JohnsonEngland and Everton striker on BBC Three

Player reaction

"Speechless. We had big hopes and big belief and our performance showed how together and how strong we are. We hadn't beaten them after 20 attempts.

Fara WilliamsEngland goal scorer

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England's players continue to cavort around the pitch. They now launch into the 'Yaya Toure - Kolo Toure dance'. Bit left field but, hey, they've won a World Cup bronze medal.

Laura Bassett with a huge beaming smile as she gets her bronze medal. What a difference from a few days ago...

England are making the most of this. Skipper Steph Houghton waves both fists in the air as she makes her way to collect her bronze medal.

Credit to the Germans as they stand and politely applaud but that is clearly the last place they want to be me at this moment...

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England have performed out of their skins. At the final whistle they fell to their knees, they had nothing left. Wow, to beat Germany, the number one ranked team in the world. That is just amazing.

Faye WhiteFormer England captain on BBC 5 Live

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Former England goalkeeper on BBC 5 Live

I could not be prouder for everything these girls have achieved. Previous teams never believed they could beat Germany but this team, had the belief. They had all the characteristics - technically, tactically, physically and psychologically. It is a new era for women's football.

The podium is out on the pitch as England are ready to be handed their bronze medals. Germany do not look happy...

"Steph Houghton leading the celebrations in front of the England fans that have travelled. It's been a fantastic campaign by this team and it's great to see them smiling after their semi-final heartache. Now they will receive the bronze medal while Germany will get a handshake."

Alistair MagowanBBC Sport's at Commonwealth Stadium

Fara Williams has scored more (non-shootout) penalties than anyone else in this tournament - 3.  

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'This means everything to the England players'

This performance is typical of how England have played at this World Cup and they have given everything to beat Germany. Beating Germany and getting to the top of the European ladder means everything to these players.

Lucy WardBBC pundit on BBC Three

AP

German players are slumped in dejection while England's players are going absolutely crazy in a huddle. Jumping, dancing and singing.

Who says third-place play-offs mean nothing.

On the second half performance and extra time they well deserved it. They wanted it more than Germany.

Lindsay JohnsonEverton and BBC Three pundit

FULL-TIME

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Scenes as England's subs race across the pitch in celebration. ENGLAND HAVE FINISHED THE WORLD CUP IN THIRD POSITION.

England's bench are on their feet. They are all smiles. They are nearly there and have the ball deep inside Germany's half... keeping it in the corner.

A bronze medal awaits and a first ever win against Germany. So close as England break...

Breathe England and Karen Bardsley collects, Two minutes injury time signalled. 

Bianca Schmidt crosses but England clear.Back it comes...

Poor delivery but Germany have a throw.

Germany come again.. and corner as Lena Petermann's shot is deflected.

Remember England haven't beaten Germany in 20 attempts. They are so close now...

Free-kick England deep inside their own half. Into the last three minutes.

That is not a good miss - Schmidt really had to score that.

Lucy WardBBC pundit on BBC Three

CLOSE!

What a miss. Alexandra Popp crosses from the left and Bianca Schmidt looks certain to score at the far post. She doesn't as she heads wide. What a let off.

Anja Mittag's low free-kick bounces in front of Karen Bardsley but she gathers at the second attempt. England five minutes away from finishing third. 

Danger for England. Free-kick to Germany right on the edge of the penalty area after Steph Houghton's challenge...

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Former England goalkeeper on BBC 5 Live

The penalty was 55-45%. It wasn't the most convincing of penalty shouts but if you're an England fan, you'll shout for them every time

Taught Steph Houghton and she was a fantastic student, intelligent, determined and never gave up- a prime example of what makes being English so special.

Dave brand

Justice is done with the penalty as Lucy Bronze should have had one earlier for a fore arm smash in the face. Great to see Germany paying the penalty 2 games running.

From Kyle in Newcastle

SUBSTITUTION

Alexandra Popp is losing her cool here as she attempts to push Fara Williams off the pitch, as England's goalscorer is replaced by Casey Stoney. Williams is given a heroes reception by the bench.

Germany goalkeeper Nadine Angerer is making her last appearance after five World Cups. She would love to go to penalties now...

Strains of Engerlund being heard from the stands.

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Former England goalkeeper on BBC 5 Live

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Cool as you like, Fara Williams scores for the third time in the left corner. What a time and under what pressure!

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So, England are 11 minutes away from finishing third at World Cup... Scenes.

GOAL

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There is some aggro as goakeeper Nadine Angerer and Alexandra Popp try to put off Fara Williams. Williams isn't bothered though as she sends Angerer the wrong way and England are ahead.

PENALTY TO ENGLAND

Lianne Sanderson is pulled down by Tabea Kemme and that is a clear penalty. What a chance.

KICK-OFF

Fifteen minutes away from England v Germany in a penalty shootout. That always ends well doesn't it...

'It could be decided by one mistake'

You cannot fault the performance of any England player. They have all given everything. If they do lose it will not be because of a lack of effort. The more the game goes on the more you think it could be decided by one mistake.

Lucy WardBBC pundit on BBC Three

HALF-TIME

This is going to be nervy stuff.

Goalkeeper Karen Bardsley deals with the situation and punches clear but Lucy Bronze is penalised and Germany come again.

Melanie Leupolz fires over. England could do with half time.

Germany force a corner. England hold their collective breath...

There are bodies everywhere at the moment. Both sets of players have given their all and they are feeling it.

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SUBSTITUTION

Germany make their last change as striker Alexandra Popp - with scull cap - replaces Lena Goessling. 

Houghton again. 

Simone Laudehr races down the right and crosses to Lena Petermann. The Germany forward looks certain to score but Houghton dives in to block.

From the resulting corner Petermann heads wide from close range.

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Brilliant defending from Steph Houghton. Lena Petterman races towards goals but the England skipper recovers to clear for a corner. The corner is cleared. This is tense.

England still on top. Fara Williams's corner from the left finds the unmarked Steph Houghton but her header is easy for goalkeeper Nadine Angerer.

Houghton has been everywhere.

Laura Bassett is booked for another heavy challenge

Even Laura Bassett would probably say she deserved a yellow card after her last two or three challenges.

Lucy WardBBC pundit on BBC Three

Still not a lot in it possession wise...

BBC

Lucy Bronze drills a cross in from the right and Lena Petterman heads clear. Keep feeding Bronze will be the instruction.

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Former England goalkeeper on BBC 5 Live

England have finished the half better, and look more confident and more likely to score. They need to keep things tight at the back and take their chances when they present themselves. The ball hasn’t quite dropped to them yet as they seek that historic goal against the Germans.

In previous England games the substitutes have got more support up front and the person that started was there to work hard, with high energy to wear out the opposition players. Then the substitute has come one and had a little bit more joy. In the second half we looked the stronger team and were more positive.

Rachel YankeyFormer England international

'This match is there for the taking'

England have grown into the game. Bringing Eni on really changed the game and she injected a lot of pace up front and the team have got up the pitch to support her. We have looked the better team in the last 15 minutes. This match is there for the taking. We have 30 minutes to put this game to bed and get the bronze medal.

Lindsay JohnsonEngland and Everton defender on BBC Three

Like the Japan semi-final, England finishing the game here on top. At least they made it to extra-time on this occasion. Eniola Aluko has made a difference and Mark Samspon has made a short rallying cry before leaving his players to it. Think they call it 'ownership'.

Alistair MagowanBBC Sport at Commonwealth Stadium

KICK-OFF

Both teams form their own huddles as they look for that extra something. England v Germany - Extra time. Here we go again...

Changing perceptions

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Whatever happens in this last 30 minutes surely England have changed the face of women's football forever with their performances in Canada?  

In the last week women's football has been heavily featured in the front and back pages of newspapers in England, with players and boss Sampson regular guests on screen and on the airwaves. 

More than 10.7m people had followed the World Cup on the BBC prior to the game against Japan.  Not a bad effort eh?

Have a read about the nation's reaction here.

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England have had great opportunities to finish this game off but have not been able to take them.

Lucy WardBBC pundit on BBC Three

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FULL-TIME

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We will need an extra 30 minutes. This is anyone's game.

Free-kick to Germany and that should be that.

Last chance as England come again?

.... and breathe. Steph Houghton and Lena Goessling are flat out as play is stopped. Both will be okay and extra time looks certain.

Alex Greenwood's corner is again cleared and Germany break...

Four minutes remaining...

Four minutes of injury time signalled.

Eni Aluko wastes another shooting chance but another corner to England.

No. Alex Greenwood's left-footed delivery is poor and Germany clear.

Lucy Bronze picks up the loose ball though, marauds down the right crosses and Steph Haughton shoots over, after Lianne Sanderson's touch. England are finishing strongly.

Another chance for England to load the box. Free kick from 45 yards out. Can they?

Stat attack

Jo Potter has attempted 22 passes in Germany's half, eight more than any other England player.  

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Eni Aluko has been a real threat since coming on. Her pace takes her clear of Germany's defence but a poor headed touch lets her down and goalkeeper Nadine Angerer gathers. Aluko should do better.

Fara Williams's delivery is cleared and Karen Carney wastes her cross from the loose ball. This is looking like extra time...

Eni Aluko's pace again causes problems. Corner England. Fill the box time again...

The crowd at the Commonwealth Stadium is 21,483. England will have won a lot of hearts with their efforts tonight and in the tournament as a whole.

Can they get the winner though? Goalkeeper Karen Bardsley is bizarrely booked for time wasting.

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SUBSTITUTION

Remember England have not beaten Germany in 20 attempts but they are giving this a real go. Mark Sampson's girls are getting stronger.

Second change for England as forward Lianne Sanderson replaces midfielder Katie Chapman. Bold by Sampson.

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Former England goalkeeper on BBC 5 Live

EPA

We've seen a shift from England from soaking up pressure to pressing higher up the field. This is much more livelier from England

Audacious attempt from Fara Williams. She sees the goalkeeper off her line but her effort from 40 yards is easy for Nadine Angerer.

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How close is that?

Lucy Bronze to Eni Aluko to Jill Scott. The England midfielder is through on goal but she dallies and is crowded out. A shot sooner and England would surely have been celebrating.

The lose ball is worked out wide to Karen Carney, who delivers a teasing cross but Scott is stretching and can't turn the ball in.

Why didn't Scott shoot first time when the ball was played to her earlier in the move?

That was travelling. Fara Williams strikes a thunderbolt from 30 yards. It hits a German player in the box and England are unable to get onto the loose ball. More appeals for handball against Bianca Schmidt, but no.

At the other end Anja Mittag's chip is straight at Karen Bardsley.

AP

Another change for Germany as tournament top scorer Celia Sasic is replaced by striker Anja Mittag. She knows where the goal is too though.

No they can't. Close though as the ball lands on Jill Scott's head but she heads wide. Wasteful.

Corner for England as Eniola Aluko's pace causes problems. Can they?

Reuters

Into the last 20 minutes and still no closer to seeing who will be finishing third at the World Cup.

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Former England goalkeeper on BBC 5 Live

Lovely inswinging corner from Alex Greenwood with her left foot. Steph just couldn't quite direct the header.

CLOSE!

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Strong run from Germany defender Tabea Kemme. She carries the ball inside from the her left flank, and lets fly from 20 yards. The ball is inches wide of the post with goalkeeper Karen Bardsley beaten.

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CLOSE!

Chance for England. Alex Greenwood whips in a corner from the right but skipper Steph Houghton, unmarked eight yards out, can only head wide, She has to do better.

Eni Aluko is a different proposition to Ellen White. She is a lot quicker in terms of her directness and she is a good option to bring on. She has started a lot of England games in her career and scored a lot of goals.

Lucy WardBBC pundit on BBC Three

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Laura Bassett has made the most passes of any outfield England player and has got a 96.2% success rate. Not a bad way to react to her own goal misery of the semi-final.

England still holding their own and Germany boss Silvia Neid does not look happy.

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Former England goalkeeper on BBC 5 Live

EPA

England need to remain disciplined and keep switched on at all times as Germany will punish you for any sloppiness. They are not ranked number one in the world for nothing. England need to tighten up a bit here

SUBSTITUTION

Germany continue to attack as Lena Goessling's downward header is cleared.

Change for England as Ellen White is replaced by the quicker Eniola Aluko. A different type of problem for Germany.

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Germany are having the better of this half. This time Celia Sasic heads wide under heavy pressure from Jo Potter. Time for a few changes from Mark Sampson perhaps?

'A world-class save'

It was a great ball in from Celia Sasic, a good first-time shot and Karen Bardsley is a big goalkeeper, but also very agile and it was a world-class save from her to get two hands to it. Sara Daebritz has been very impressive and is technically a very good player.

Lucy WardBBC pundit on BBC three

Reuters

Great photo opportunity there. Jill Scott gets taken out by Tabea Kemme and almost falls into Sylvia Neid, the German coach showing zero sympathy for the England midfielder.

Alistair MagowanBBC Sport at Commonwealth Stadium

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Former England goalkeeper on BBC 5 Live

Great save by Karen Bardsley She dives low and pushes it away powerfully to the right hand side. Phenomenal save and what we want to see from her.

Nervy moments for England as Steph Houghton throws her body in the way of Lena Petermann's close-range shot. Calm it down England, calm it down.

GREAT SAVE!

Best moment of the match. The ball is crossed in from the right, Sara Daebritz meets it with a sweet volley but goalkeeper Karen Bardsley dives to her right and parries wide. Great save.

England haven't done a great deal of attacking so far, as can be seen by the graphic showing their average position below. 

Pretty lonely for Ellen White too...

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Fara Williams' free-kick is thumped deep into Germany's penalty area, they get the ball clear but it is an England corner. Another chance to load the box.

Williams' delivery from the left is too strong though and the ball sails over Lucy Bronze's head to safety.

Chance for England to fill the box as Karen Carney is flattened. The ball will be pumped into the penalty area...

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After the first five minutes we settled and got our communication together. Overall, I think we have grown into the game, there is lots to play for and we look a threat down our right-hand side. Germany are so precise form their link-up play. It is a great learning experience for England.

Faye WhiteFormer England international on BBC Three

KICK-OFF

A change for Germany as Bayern Munich's Bundelsiga player of the year Melanie Leupolz replaces Melanie Behringer in the heart of midfield.

Game on.

Here come the teams. Can England record a first ever win over Germany to finish the tournament as the third best team in the world?

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Rachel Brown-Finnis

Former England goalkeeper on BBC 5 Live

There are never any "friendly" games as far England and Germany are concerned. There is a lot riding on this game, whether that's something tangible like a medal, or ranking points.

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It has been a new formation for England and some of the girls have been positionally unaware. They are also looking a little leggy so I would imagine Mark Sampson will change things around in the second half and bring some fresh players on

Lindsay JohnsonEngland and Everton defender on BBC Three

Simply the best?

Impressed by Lucy Bronze in that first half? I'm not surprised.

The England defender Lucy Bronze has been shortlisted for the Golden Ball - the award given to the best player at the Women's World Cup.

Bronze, 23, scored a stunning goal as England beat Norway in the last 16 and also netted in the quarter-final victory over hosts Canada.

Germany's Celia Sasic, the tournament's top scorer with six goals, is also on the eight-player shortlist.

I think when we have kept the ball with one and two-touch passing we've got around them but when we've had time to pick a pass out we have been sloppy. I wonder whether some of the players are looking a little bit tired.

Rachel YankeyFormer England international on BBC Three

Going up

BBC

England went into the tournament ranked sixth in the world but, after four wins, they are set to take their highest ever ranking - whatever the result tonight.

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Germany started off the better and looked like they would do damage to England, but England have come back into it and it's a tight game.

Lucy WardBBC pundit on BBC Three

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Former England goalkeeper on BBC 5 Live

There are a number of England flags pledging support to Laura Bassett in the stadium, I would echo that. She won't have any recollection of that own goal during this match. It was such a monumental occasion for it it go so sour in such a late and dramatic fashion, it will haunt her for some time.

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England's frustration going forward can be summed up by Ellen White's touch map below. Not a lot of action for England's striker in front of goal. One touch inside the penalty area.

BBC

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Former England goalkeeper on BBC 5 Live

England breathe a little sigh of relief at the half-time whistle. The last five minutes have been Germany's. Overall the rest of the first half has been evenly distributed. England will be satisfied with the scoreline

Good half for Mark Sampson's side, who were 3-0 down last time his team came up against Germany last November. The formation is defensive, but Steph Houghton arguably had the best chance and it shows how far England have come since that defeat.

Alistair MagowanBBC Sport at Commonwealth Stadium

HALF-TIME

Probably just about right. An even half but England need to improve going forward.

Just as I say that, Sara Daebritz bundles her way through England's defence but her shot from 18 yards is blocked by Jo Potter and hacked clear by England.

The half petering out now as both teams look ready for a team talk. Two minutes of injury time signalled.

Even stuff so far as Celia Sasic heads over...

BBC

Germany enjoying good pressure now. England though are defending solidly enough - for the main part - and are holding firm.

They need to get their foot on the ball more here.

Germany's Babett Peter is now holding her head after getting a pretty blatant shove from Ellen White. England haven't been shy of dishing out the physical stuff.

'Most players have played and that's good for morale'

The stock of all these England players has risen and it's really deserved. The strength of them as a team has been the biggest thing and most of the squad have played and that has been good for morale. England have shown they are capable of beating some of the best teams in the world and they will look to develop that.

Lucy WardBBC pundit on BBC Three

Neither team has got the final ball right yet. Nice interplay from the Germans around the edge of the box but Bianca Schmidt's attempted cross is poor and bounces straight into Karen Bardsley's hands.

Reuters

Past the half-hour mark now and England are more than holding their own. Both teams looks a little dodgy at the back at times but both look capable of creating as well. 

'England are a lot of people's second team'

England believe they can beat Germany but at Wembley last year when we lost 3-0 it didn't look like that was the case. England have a lot of support and seem to be quite a few people's second team with the confidence they have shown and the way they have played their games.

Lucy WardBBC pundit on BBC Three

Lucy Bronze isn't scared of a challenge is she? The England full back flies at a corner kick and clatters into Germany defender Saki Bartusiak. Free-kick to Germany.

Corner for Germany as Sara Greenwood heads clear. The kick comes in from the right, Melanie Behringer's looping header is gathered by Karen Bardsley in fairly unorthodox fashion.

Crowd not liking Alex Greenwood's shoulder charge on Sara Daebritz there. Textbook, I'd say, even to the extent where she gave her the eye before doing it.

Alistair MagowanBBC Sport at Commonwealth Stadium

England's five at the back formation is allowing plenty of space in front of their defence, but wing-backs Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood are getting joy out on the flanks. Mark Sampson is urging his players to move the ball forward in that direction. Crowd not liking Alex Greenwood's shoulder charge on Sara Daebritz there. Textbook, I'd say, even to the extent where she gave her the eye before doing it.

Alistair MagowanBBC Sport at Commonwealth Stadium

Sara Daebritz is not happy as Alex Greenwood muscles her German counterpart out of the way. Physical but fair.

Ellen White thumps a header over the bar - and then thumps the ground in frustration.

Remember England have never beaten Germany. You wouldn't tell from the first 25 minutes here. Very even.

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Former England goalkeeper on BBC 5 Live

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This is the most positive start I've seen of England in all their contests against Germany. Mark Sampson has clearly learned a lot since the 3-0 friendly defeat at Wembley. I think the magnitude of that defeat has actually helped England because it came off the back of a very easy qualifying campaign.

England's 'wizard' Karen Carney is trying to grab the game by the scuff of it's neck. She has tried a couple of times to beat the Germans with a moment of magic but, as yet, it hasn't come off.

She is more than capable of the sublime though.

Great pace and determination from Jill Scott as she hassles Saskia Bartusiak into an error to concede a corner.... or not. The referee points for a goal kick - wrongly.

Germany's midfielders Sara Daebritz and Lene Goessling are looking a real threat early on. England's 3-4-3 formation is looking a little bit fragile.

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Decent technique from Germany's Sara Daebritz again as she controls a dropping ball on her knee before firing over from the edge of the penalty area. Very open so far.

Brilliant from Sara Daebritz as she sells a couple of England players a dummy before slipping Lena Goessling through into the area. The Germany midfielder fails to connect properly though and her cross is cleared.

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Former England goalkeeper on BBC 5 Live

That was a definite handball by Tabea Kemme. It should have been an England penalty.

That was a good bit of play from Lucy Bronze, it was good awareness from Ellen White but Steph Houghton could not get the contact she wanted on the ball.

Lucy WardBBC pundit on BBC Three

Reuters

England are growing in confidence as they cause Germany problems now. This is end-to-end stuff.

BBC Global News sports reporter Caroline Rigby is in Canada covering the tournament.   

CLOSE!

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England's first real threatening moment as an attacking force as Alex Greenwood's cross from the left is deflected for a corner.

From the resulting kick, the ball is worked out to Lucy Bronze on the right and she drives down the flank before pulling back to Steph Houghton inside the area.

The England skipper should score but she scuffs her effort from close range straight at Germany goalkeeper Nadine Angerer.

Calls for a handball against Tabea Kemme inside the area as well - it her arm, but it would have been harsh.

'Germany have experience of winning tournaments'

This Germany team are a really strong team, but, unlike England, have the experience of winning major tournaments. Germany have started like this in every game apart from against France.

Lucy WardBBC Pundit on BBC Three

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Former England goalkeeper on BBC 5 Live

Steph Houghton got back on the pitch just in time to clear that ball off the line, a very acrobatic overhead kick

CLOSE!

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And just seconds later Germany top scorer Celia Sasic scuffs a good chance, shooting straight at Karen Bardsley. England's defence is getting ripped open here.

CLOSE!

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What a clearance that is from Steph Houghton off the line.

The England skipper desperately lunges to hack clear after Jo Potter heads past her own goalkeeper Karen Bardsley following some confusion in the England defence. The danger comes from Bianca Schmidt's header across goal.

England aim for a first goal

'England must be solid at the back'

The England team will have a point to prove but it's not going to be easy against Germany. It's important for England that they are solid at the back and do not concede an early goal. It has been such a positive tournament for England and they will want to finish on a high.

Lucy WardBBC pundit on BBC three

Ouch. England skipper Steph Houghton is in pain after getting a stud to her foot from tournament top scorer Celia Sasic. Nothing deliberate in that but that won't make Houghton feel any better.

Casey Stoney is warming up just in case, but it looks as though she won't be needed. The skipper is back up and running.

Germany have started well. They will be as disappointed as England to be in this third-place play-off and you get the feeling they have a point to prove.

England are yet to be able to get their foot on the ball.

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 live

For the first time ever, this squad, this group of players truly believe they can go on and win this game and beat Germany for the first time.

LINE-UPS

BBC

Germany XI:   Angerer (C), Schmidt, Bartusiak, Laudehr, Behringer, Sasic, Peter, Petermann, Goessling, Kemme, Daebritz  

England XI:  Bardsley, Williams, Houghton (C), Bassett, J. Scott, Carney, Bronze, Greenwood, Chapman, Potter, White .

BBC

GREAT SAVE!

Early chance for Germany as Sara Daebritz crosses from the left and Lena Petermann's downward header is tipped wide by Karen Bardsley. Good save.

KICK-OFF

Here we go. Can England make more history?

European champions?

This is not going to be easy for Sampson's girls.  

Germany have won the World Cup twice, have been  European champions six times in a row  and haven't lost to England in 20 matches between the two.

So if England win tonight, they are basically European champions. Right?

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Fate or coincidence?

Hands of God, penalty shootout traumas, untimely red cards, and now a last-minute own goal. 

English teams - male or female - seem to specialise in going out of World Cups in the cruelest of fashions.

 Mere coincidence? A national sporting trait? Or are the footballing gods against them? Ben Dirs imagines what a higher authority makes of it all…

Have a read here.

Now it's time for 'God Save the Queen'. Sung with a bit of gusto from the players and the few England fans who have made the trip.

Teams on way out

Here come the teams. The stands are looking pretty empty at the moment but there is a real focus in England's faces.

They mean business.

'England may change their tactics'

It's a massive task for England against the formidable Germany team. We drew with them 0-0 back in the 2007 World Cup and that was tough task. They will not be happy to be in the third / fourth play-off. England may change their tactics considering their 3-0 loss when we last played Germany in a game at Wembley.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Three

No 'I' in team

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This has been very much a squad game for England in this tournament.

Mark Sampson has used 22 of his 23 players at the tournament – goalkeeper Carly Telford is the only player yet to feature.

Captain Steph Houghton is the only England player to play every minute.

Bowing out

What a decade in charge it has been for Germany manager Silvia Neid. 

One World Cup, two European Championships and an Olympic bronze.

This will be the 51-year-old's last World Cup game though as she steps down at the end of the year. It will be her 17th Women’s World Cup match and only Norway’s Even Pellerud (25) has been in charge of more matches at the finals.

"This German team have got the greatest coach in the history of the women's game," Sampson said.

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Alex Greenwood is starting and is great at getting crosses in the box. The German goalkeeper Nadine Angerer has dropped a couple at this World Cup so England will be aiming to test her.

Lindsay JohnsonEngland and Everton Ladies defender on BBC Three:

'Playing today will be good for Laura'

Ex-England defender Faye White has lots of sympathy for defender Laura Bassett, whose last-minute own goal saw England lose 2-1 to Japan in the semi-final.

In 2011 I missed the last penalty in our quarter-final against France so I can relate to how Laura is feeling, that feeling of looking at your team-mates' eyes and feeling that you're responsible for their disappointment. But playing today will be the best thing for her and getting on with the tournament. She will have the family and team-mates supporting her.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Three

Summing up the feelings of a nation?

To all England women. We are proud of you. An amazing tournament. Go out today with your heads held high. You have done the nation proud.

Fantastic Ish from Leicester

I'm not surprised there has been a positive reaction to Laura Bassett. It is one of those things and people understand that. She has been a soldier throughout the tournament.

Rachel YankeyFormer England international on BBC Three

Manager view

Laura Bassett has been looking forward to this for the last 24 hours, she will be confident and composed and will produce the level she has produced all tournament. What a challenge. A German team who have not lost to a European opposition in a World Cup since the turn of the century. England have never beaten them before but this team are determined to make history.

Mark SampsonEngland manager on BBC Three.

Get behind the Lionesses

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Better than nothing I guess...

Plenty of motivation

England have never got past the quarter-final stage now a bronze medal and an opportunity to beat Germany. So many incentives. There is no time to feel sorry for themselves."

Rachel YankeyFormer England international on BBC Three

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England's players are ready...

BBC Coverage

Coverage is beginning on BBC Three now and you can also watch online by clicking on the Live coverage tab.

Joining Jacqui Oatley in the studio is former England international Rachel Yankey and Everton's Lindsay Johnson.

Bassett's pain

Talk about a tear jerker.

England defender Laura Bassett  talks at length to the BBC  about coming to terms with her own goal which knocked the Lionesses out of the Women's World Cup.

Describing the moment she realised she had conceded a goal to Japan, she said: "I couldn't breathe, my heart was out of my chest, I just wanted the ground to open up and swallow me in."

Watch it here, if you can bear it.

How are the nerves?

Low-key feel

Players are on the pitch warming up. England will be sporting their red kit this evening, with Germany in their traditional white. Forty minutes to kick-off.

Pretty-low-key feel to the game here despite the history between the two teams. Some of the England players were on the pitch chucking a baseball around not long ago. Just for the record, England's women have never beaten Germany in 20 attempts.

Alistair MagowanBBC Sport at the Commonwealth Stadium

Can they do it?

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History makers?

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Boss Mark Sampson wants his team to become England's second best World Cup side ever. 

If England win - their achievement will only be bettered by the men winning the 1966 World Cup.

He said: "There's only us and the 1966 team that have won as many games at World Cups - it's an incredible achievement.

"So we want to give ourselves the best chance of achieving something special on Saturday, making more history."

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We're not going to go on about Laura Bassett and her own goal all night I promise - although you can watch it again here - but it got me thinking about our talking point tonight. 

What have been the cruelest moments in sport? From the biggest arena to your own sporting heartbreaks. Let us know via #bbcfootball, text 81111 or post on BBC Sport Facebook.

LINE-UPS

Germany XI:   Angerer (C), Schmidt, Bartusiak, Laudehr, Behringer, Sasic, Peter, Petermann, Goessling, Kemme, Daebritz  

England XI:  Bardsley, Williams, Houghton (C), Bassett, J. Scott, Carney, Bronze, Greenwood, Chapman, Potter, White .

Mark Sampson makes four changes to his team with England's 3-0 defeat by Germany last November in mind. Laura Bassett starts and is joined by Jo Potter and Steph Houghton, as England opt for three centre-backs in a 3-4-3, which will probably look more like 5-2-3. Alex Greenwood is in at left wing-back while Karen Carney and Ellen White are also named in the side. "Germany make five changes to the team which lost to the United States in their semi-final. But tournament top scorer Celia Sasic starts, she also scored twice when England were beaten at Wembley. This will be the last game for legendary goalkeeper and skipper Nadine Angerer.

Alistair MagowanBBC Sport at Commonwealth Stadium

BBC Coverage

There are plenty of ways to stay across this match on the BBC.

As well as following the live text commentary on this page you can watch the match live by clicking on the live coverage tab online.

The coverage on BBC three starts at 20:30 BST, while you can also listen to the match live on BBC Radio 5 live and online.

Enjoy.

Plenty at stake

A third-place play-off is always the game anyone dreads to be involved in.

But this one has something special about it.

England v Germany to be the third best team in the world.

Not small fry is it?

Germany v England (21:00 BST)

Good evening.

Almost three days on from England's World Cup dream dying in the cruelest of fashion, the Lionesses are back in action.

OK, they can't be world champions - after Bassett's freak last minute own goal put Japan into the final - but there is still plenty at stake.

Now it's time to face the old foe.

An agony you never forget

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Few England football fans will forget where they were for their Italia 90 pain. 

The same could be said for when Terry Venables' men went so close in  Euro 1996.  

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Now Laura Bassett and the Lionesses take their place in England's growing list of footballing heartbreaks.   

Anyone over it yet? No, me neither.