Germany fire six past England

ENGLAND’S hopes of Euro 2009 glory were shattered by ruthless Germany last night despite a battling effort in a compelling final.

Goals from Karen Carney and Kelly Smith twice kept England in contention in Helsinki but the world champions were ultimately far too strong as they secured a fifth successive continental title.

Prolific pair Inka Grings – who finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with six – and Birgit Prinz both struck twice while Melanie Behringer and Kim Kulig were also on target.