Gilbert struck the winner for England on Saturday

England ended their preparations for the 2009 Champions Trophy by drawing a two-match series against Germany.

Head coach Danny Kerr's team won 3-2 on Saturday, with Susie Gilbert scoring the winner after Germany had recovered from an early two-goal deficit.

Chloe Rogers and Jo Ellis were also on the scoresheet for England.

But they were beaten 3-1 in the return contest on Sunday, with Helen Richardson's individual goal no more than a consolation.

"We did not defend well in front of the German outlet which allowed them to go 2-0 up but once we addressed that we did better," said Kerr of Sunday's defeat.

"The game showed that Germany are technically better than us under fatigue, but I think that this was a good battling performance from a young England side."

The matches were played in Russelheim and England now return home for a training camp before leaving for the Champions Trophy, which will take place in Sydney from 11-19 July.

The tournament comprises the world's top six countries and England will compete with the Netherlands, Germany, Argentina, Australia and China.

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