The England Women's side will be disappointed having lost to Germany in the final of Euro 2009 but the coach Hope Powell preferred to draw on the positives.

In the end it was an all too familiar story: England chasing a game against Germany, pulling goals back to give themselves hope before losing belief. The England women's team are in good company.

The England women's side will have to rewrite history if they are to become European champions on Thursday night.

Germany recovered from an early Norwegian goal to come back 3-1 and win a place in the final of Euro 2009, against England on Thursday.

England booked their place in the final of Uefa Euro 2009, late into extra-time against the Netherlands in Tampere tonight.

Victoria Sandell Svensson, the 32 year old Swedish forward and team captain, made the decision to end her international career after the Euros, before the tournament began, but would have hoped for a happier ending.

Following a goalless 90 minutes plus extra time, Vera Pauw's side edged through to a semi-final place against England, after a tense penalty shoot-out.

England beat hosts Finland 3-2 to go through to the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2009.

The complete results from Uefa Euro 2009, Finland

England kicked off their European Championship campaign with a disappointing defeat to Italy, in Lahti.

In a 4 goal blitz on Norway, Germany started the defence of their title, a title they hope to win for the fifth time.

"Preparations have gone really well, I think. It's been very relaxed, I think that apart from the hard work that the players have to do sometimes, they have enjoyed it."

Hosts Finland made a perfect start to the Championships by beating Denmark 1-0, at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki.