England's Football Association had heavily marketed the game and offered tickets at a discount rate,with children's tickets available for just one pound.
The aim was to consolidate the enthusiasm for the team generated by England's run to the semi-finals of this year's Women's World Cup.
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Germany grabbed the lead in the ninth minute through their captain Alexandra Popp,who was left unmarked to head home.
England's Ellen White equalised just before the break with a first-time strike but Klara Buehl's 90th-minute goal condemned Phil Neville's side to defeat.
England have won only once in seven games since the World Cup,but the FA will take greater encouragement from the attendance which follows some large crowds for the domestic women's league.