Despite a 3-0 defeat, Powell felt her young players gave an excellent account of themselves in their final match of the women's Euro 2001 Championships.

"I thought it was a very good game and our players gave it their all," Powell said.

"Germany are a very strong side but the girls gave 150% and I don't think you can ask for more than that.

"I thought it was the old sort of rivalry between the two sides but the football was played in good spirit. England-Germany always produces good games, and for us it was a good game."

England held the hosts for nearly an hour and battled hard, but ultimately Germany's class told with three second-half goals.

Powell added: "I think the first half proved we can offer something against arguably the best side in the world.

"Germany have power and strength and for us it's about learning from the game and taking all the positives from it.

"As I see it we can only surely get better the more experience we have of playing at this level against the best teams in the world.

"Overall it was pleasing and the girls can go home with their heads held high."