Ellen White equalised twice as England women battled to a 2-2 draw with Germany in Phil Neville’s second match in charge.

England hammered France 4-1 in Neville’s first match in charge but their opponents in New Jersey were a step up in class. Germany, ranked second in the world, twice took the lead but White pegged them back each time to secure a hugely creditable draw in the SheBelieves Cup.

Watched by the former England captain David Beckham, the Lionesses fell behind after 17 minutes. Hasret Kayikçi fired Germany ahead with England unable to clear their lines in the penalty area. But White hit back a minute later, the Birmingham striker in the right place at the right time to deflect in Fara Williams’ drive from the edge of the box.

Toni Duggan almost gave England the lead after she was fed by Fran Kirby but her curling effort flew narrowly wide. Williams then tested Almuth Schult with a low free-kick that the Germany goalkeeper just managed to get a hand to.

It was a strong end to the first half from England but they undid all their good work within six minutes of the restart. An awful defensive mix-up culminated in Siobhan Chamberlain, the England goalkeeper winning her 50th cap, having to hack the ball clear off her own goal-line. Her clearance hit the heel of Millie Bright and rolled back into the net for a calamitous own goal.

Yet White levelled matters again with a cool finish in the 73rd minute. Chasing a long ball over the top, the forward beat Germany’s offside trap and held her nerve to slot the ball past Schult.

With three minutes remaining, the substitute Rachel Daly had a chance to win it for England but shot straight at Schult.

Earlier in the day Eugénie Le Sommer scored just before half-time to salvage France a 1-1 draw with the United States. Mallory Pugh had put USA in front in the 35th minute with her ninth international goal.

Mallory Pugh had put the United States in front in the 35th minute with her ninth international goal. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher made a pair of big saves with France pressing late in the game.

US coach Jill Ellis made a few changes to the starting line-up following the opener against Germany. She rested veteran Carli Lloyd as well as Julie Ertz, paving the way for Andi Sullivan and Morgan Brian to start.

The Americans are without several key players for the tournament, including veteran defender Becky Sauerbrunn, who is recovering from a foot injury, and midfielder Tobin Heath, who had ankle surgery.



