England 3-4 Germany: More questions than answers for Lionesses in defeat
Focus in the build-up to the match this week was on Wiegman’s team selection, with several regular starters struggling for domestic form.
Williamson, who lifted the European trophy two years ago, kept her place despite calls for Manchester City centre-back Alex Greenwood to come in.
She struggled before being taken off in a planned substitution in the second half, while in-form United midfielder Grace Clinton did not get on the pitch.
Goalkeeper Hampton fought off competition from Mary Earps for her place – but it is not secure after a mixed performance.
Wiegman was pressed on her team selection but said she had no regrets and was “happy” with the starting XI she chose.
“That’s always easy to say after a game. If we had won then the question is different. I’m happy with the starting line-up and the team,” she said.
“What we wanted is to see other players, which we did, and we know there is huge competition going on. That is good for the team.”
Tottenham’s Jess Naz, Manchester City’s Jess Park and United captain Maya Le Tissier were among those to come on as substitutes, while Greenwood replaced Williamson an hour in.
But it was the same starting XI that drew 0-0 with Sweden in July, and seven of the 11 players had lined up to face Germany in the Euro 2022 final.
This was the first of four friendly matches in 2024, giving Wiegman plenty of opportunity to experiment with her team selection.
She may still do that with South Africa to come on Tuesday, but this felt very much like the tried and tested – and it ultimately failed to impress.
All in all, England will leave Wembley Stadium with more questions than answers.
