Women’s World Cup: Heartbreak for England as Spain win final

England’s wait for a first Women’s World Cup will continue after falling to Spain in the final in Sydney.

The Lionesses were the first England team to reach a World Cup final, men or women’s, since 1966 but were outplayed by a superb Spain side who have triumphed in just their third appearance at the tournament.

Spain captain Olga Carmona slide the ball into the bottom corner after Lucy Bronze gave possession away in midfield.

England goalkeeper Mary Earps only conceded four goals all tournament, and was awarded the Golden Glove as the tournament’s best goalkeeper. She made a number of superb saves to keep England in touch with their opponents and kept Jenni Hermoso’s second-half penalty out.

Earps was also called into action to somehow keep out Alba Redondo’s close-range strike and tipped Mariona Caldentey’s shot wide in the second half.

England manager Sarina Wiegman brought on Lauren James and Chloe Kelly at half-time but England’s chances were minimised by the Spanish defence.

Lauren Hemp hit the crossbar early on and volleyed wide in the second half and James forced Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll to tip her shot over the bar.

With 13 minutes added time, England tried to find a late equaliser, but when Coll claimed the ball at a corner the final whistle finally blew.

“I’m just deflated,” said England defender Bronze.

“Obviously we went into the World Cup wanting to win it and we were so close, but in the end we couldn’t quite get it over the line.

“I am proud of what we have achieved but I think everybody that knows me, knows that I only like gold medals.

“The goal is always to win tournaments with this team. We have shown that we can do that.

“We have made a final. There is no reason why the team can’t go and create more legacies and more winning legacies.”

Cover Photo: “three lions. away.” by William Brawley is licensed under CC BY 2.0.