England leading up to the tournament had only lost just once in their 11 matches and were quietly optimistic about reaching the final.[6]
They were placed in Group C, along with Sweden, Italy and Russia. Initially England had a rocky start losing to Italy 2-1.[7][8][9] Results slowly improved starting with a win against Russia.[10] The following match was a tie with Sweden which was enough to put England into the quarter-finals.[11]
In the quarter-finals a Eniola Aluko brace was enough to defeat the hosts Finland.[12][13] In the semi-finals England defeated the Netherlands in extra time thanks to a Jill Scott header.[14]
Germany
Germany were placed in Group B with Norway, France and Iceland. Germany started in the group in dominant fashion with a 4-0 victory over Norway. The second group game was followed by a 5-1 victory over France.[15] Germany won its final match 1-0 against Iceland.[16]
Germany defeated Italy in the quarter-finals in a close fought match 2-1.[17] In the semi-finals Germany comfortably beat Norway 3-1.[18] Germany reached the final as overwhelming favourites.[19]
England regrouped and Karen Carney halved the deficit after just two minutes from Behringer's goal.[21]
Germany regained the lead after six minutes in the second half when a shot by Simone Laudehr was saved from the post with the ball ending up on the feet of Kim Kulig, who scored in an empty net.[22]
England fought valiantly again four minutes later, when Carney received a pass from Kelly Smith, who turned around and scored leaving the game at 2-3 goal.[23]
England pushed forward in search of a goal but further the goals in the last half hour of by Inka Grings and Prinz making the score 2-6.[24]
Inka Grings, winner of the Golden boot for the second consecutive edition
With Germany's victory it marked the fifth title in a row and 19 games against England without defeat.[28]Faye White stated "We can hold our heads high".[29]
England manager Hope Powell claimed she wasn't disappointed after losing the final.[30][31]Jill Scott was a member of the squad that lost in the 2009 final. Thirteen years later she would win the UEFA Women's Championship in 2022, also playing Germany in the final.[32][33] In 2022 Kelly Smith describes the disappointing performance as one her great regrets in her career.[34]