The eight-time champions defeated pre-tournament favourites Spain to claim top spot and avoid a quarter-final tie with hosts England.

Germany were gifted an early goal when Spanish goalkeeper Sandra Panos' pass was intercepted by Klara Bühl who beat one challenge and slotted into the far corner in front of a 16,037-strong crowd at the Brentford Community Stadium.

The lead was doubled in the 36^th minute by Wolfsburg striker Alexandra Popp.

Popp had only returned to action in March after 10 months out due to a knee injury.

She headed in the second on her way to being named player of the match.

Popp had missed both Euro 2013 and 2017 with ankle injuries but claimed her second goal in as many matches after scoring in the 4-0 rout over Denmark on Friday (July 8).

The loss ended a 24-match unbeaten run for the Spaniards who were bettered for the first time since a 1-0 defeat by world champions the United States in the SheBelieves Cup in March 2020.

In Milton Keynes, Pernille Harder's second-half goal ensured Denmark were still in with a chance of reaching the knockout stages as they eliminated a spirited Finland with a 1-0 win.

Both sides were seeking to respond to heavy opening-game defeats and reignite their campaigns, and it was the 2017 finalists who prevailed at Stadium MK.

A stubborn Finnish defence kept the scores even until the 72^nd minute when Chelsea forward Harder headed in from close range after Karen Holmgaard's attempt rebounded off the crossbar.

Denmark face a tough challenge in their final group game on July 16 (Saturday) against Spain.

The winners will finish second and face England in the last eight while a draw will also suffice for Spain as they have a better goal difference.