Germany stormed past the challenge of England to claim bronze in front of a packed house in the SparkassenPark, running up a 3-0 victory.

The English side kept out a glut of early penalty corners before Ellie Rayer had two brilliant efforts denied by the German defence, Julia Sonntag diving full-length to tip one away.

This all happened before the 12th minute when Sonja Zimmerman whipped home a corner for 1-0. Tessa Howard again went close from mid-circle but Germany were in control for long periods and they got their extra gap when Charlotte Stapenhorst made it 2-0 in spectacular style.

A back-to-front move down the left-wing set her free and her pace took her away around her marker before wrong-footing the goalkeeper with a mid-circle shot.

And the game was well and truly wrapped up with two minutes to go when Jette Fleschütz scored into an open goal to ease any lingering tension.

Selin Oruz said of the win: “I am really proud of this bunch of girls. We were really sad after the semi-final and now, look at this atmosphere, winning this last game and the bronze medal, it means a lot to us. I can only say I am really proud and I love this team.”

As for the tournament at home, she added: “It has been a dream for everyone, I grew up close to Mönchengladbach and its amazing, it’s goosebumps… it’s everything.”