England devastated: Lionesses break down in tears as they suffer heartbreaking World Cup final defeat
Spain proved to be a bridge too far for the Lionesses
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England's World Cup journey ended in heartbreak with a 1-0 loss to Spain in the final.
Spain’s Olga Carmona slotted past Mary Earps midway through the first half in Sydney for what proved to be the winning moment.
The Lionesses were given fresh impetus halfway through the second half when Earps denied Spain a golden chance to double their lead with a heroic penalty save, but the moment failed to produce sufficient momentum.
In a game marred by a series of stoppages, the officials opted to add on a lengthy period of stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes.
The team were looked distraught after the final whistle was blown
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Despite England’s best efforts to push forward in the latter stages, they were nullified by a stoic Spanish unit.
In the final throes of the historic encounter, every England player was in the Spain box for a corner that was collected gratefully by goalkeeper Cata Coll.
It was just a third World Cup appearance for La Roja, who had won only one of their previous seven matches at the tournament before 2023.
The Prince of Wales and Rishi Sunak have shown their support to the Lionesses after the loss.
England manager Sarina Wiegman admitted that Spain were the better team on the day
PA
Despite England’s best efforts to push forward in the latter stages, they were nullified by a stoic Spanish unit
REUTERS
William wrote on his social media accounts: “Although it’s the result none of us wanted, Lionesses you have done yourselves and this nation proud.”
“You have left nothing out there Lionesses”, the Prime Minister commented.
“It wasn’t to be, but you’ve already secured your legacy as game changers.
“We are all incredibly proud of you.”
There has been an outpour of support for the team since the loss was confirmed
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Former England striker Gary Lineker added he is “gutted” for the Lionesses, but heaped praise on the victors.
He said: “Gutted for the Lionesses who gave their all, but congratulations to Spain on winning the World Cup.
“They were the better team and thoroughly deserved their victory.”
Another ex-England international, David Seaman, was full of praise for Mary Earps after England settled for second place.
England fans across the country were in tears at the Lionesses' defeat
PA
England fans were left disappointed by Sunday's final
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“What a spectacular women’s World Cup and what a tournament Mary Earps has had”, he tweeted.
“So proud of the Lionesses.”
England manager Sarina Wiegman admitted that Spain were the better team on the day in a candid post-match interview.
She told BBC Sport:"I think Spain were just a little better than we were today. They had a great tournament, so congrats to Spain.
“Of course we are feeling bad now, you go to the final and give everything, you want to win the final and then you lose it.
“I think we can be very proud of ourselves, only it doesn’t feel like it at the moment.”
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