England fans around UK react to Women’s World Cup final against Spain
England heartbreakingly lost 1-0 to Spain in their first Women’s World Cup final as Olga Carmona’s first-half goal proved enough to break the Lionesses’s hearts.
Sarina Wiegman and her players were looking to bring the game’s biggest prize home from Sydney but Carmona drilled a finish into the far corner on 29 minutes and, although Mary Earps brilliantly saved Jennifer Hermoso’s penalty with 20 minutes remaining, England couldn’t fashion an equaliser.
It was the first time the England men’s or women’s team have reached a football World Cup final since 1966 and the nation came to a halt for the historic occasion – which was briefly interrupted by an anti-Putin protester invading the pitch in the first half – but were left bereft as Spain saw out the victory.
Lauren Hemp came closest to scoring for the Lionesses when her curling effort struck the bar in the 16th minute but Spain were good value for the win as they became just the fifth nation to lift the Women’s World Cup, following in the footsteps of USA (4), Germany (2), Norway (1) and Japan (1).
Follow the latest updates as the Lionesses fly home:
Women’s World Cup final reaction
Show latest update
The vital lesson England must take to ‘continue breaking barriers’ despite World Cup final defeat
In the immediate aftermath, it will be easy to resort to the hypothetical. What if Lauren James had been given a starting role? What if Lauren Hemp had put away her early chances? What if England hadn’t been overrun in midfield? What if the Lionesses had won the World Cup?
Reality, however, is what matters. The reality is that England didn’t quite have what it took, this injury-hit squad who battled through so much adversity to get as far as they did finally came up against their match. The reality is that Spain were better, that they dominated the duels, and that they were the ones who managed to find what was needed.
But the reality is not all negative. The team will be temporarily knocked down but they’ve shown that they have a habit of getting up from difficult moments and coming out better for it. The agony of the Lionesses’ near-miss will soon subside and they can begin to take stock of their achievements.
“I think we can be proud,” said Georgia Stanway. “The last 9 weeks, 7 games – to wear a silver, it’s special.
“It’s hard to watch another team celebrate when it’s your goal and your dream. When the dust settles we’ll be really proud of this. We hope everyone is really proud of us back at home. We hope we’ve inspired many many people.”
By Adam Millington in Sydney
Mike Jones21 August 2023 10:51
World Cup winner Olga Carmona learns of father’s death minutes after final whistle
Spain’s Olga Carmona’s World Cup Celebrations have been marred by tragedy after she found that her father died just minutes after the game.
The 23-year-old Real Madrid star secured a 1-0 win over England today in Sydney in the final.
Carmona found out that her father died following the full-time whistle. Spanish FA said her father died just before the final got underway.
Mike Jones21 August 2023 10:43
Spain star Jenni Hermoso reacts after FA president kisses her on lips
Spain star Jenni Hermoso insisted she “did not enjoy it” after being kissed on the lips by Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales.
The incident occurred as Hermoso made her way to the podium after Spain defeated England in the Women’s World Cup final thanks to Olga Carmona’s strike.
After being given her medal by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, Hermoso was given a hug by Mr Rubiales, who lifted her off her feet.
A brief conversation between the pair followed, before Mr Rubiales grabbed Hermoso around her back and kissed her on the lips.
Outrage quickly spread on social media, with football supporters accusing Mr Rubiales of inappropriate behaviour.
Mike Jones21 August 2023 10:36
Lionesses receive surprise reception as they start journey back to England
England’s World Cup finalists received a warm welcome as they started their long journey back to the United Kingdom on Monday morning.
The Lionesses, who reached the final of the Women’s World Cup, were agonisingly beaten by Spain 1-0 on Sunday.
It was the first time any England team had reached the World Cup final in 57 years, but it was not to be and Olga Carmona’s goal secured a first trophy for Spain’s women’s team.
Starting their journey home, the Lionesses were applauded through Sydney Airport by passengers in a heartwarming moment.
Mike Jones21 August 2023 10:30
England suffer World Cup heartache as brilliant Spain show Lionesses what’s missing
An exhibition in how to win a World Cup and a final that delivered a painful example of what England need to do. Sarina Wiegman took her side to the very brink, but something was still just missing against a brilliant Spain. The Women’s World Cup has new champions, but it isn’t England. Spain had the one element that the European champions still lack, beyond that glorious trophy itself. They are the only women’s side with a profound football identity, which amplifies everything they do from within and was visible in the Olga Carmona goal that settled this contest. It was a fittingly divine strike to win a fixture like this.
Against that, Wiegman could only try to rearrange the pieces to give Spain more of a puzzle to solve. It has been her great strength, but it wasn’t enough. She sadly experiences defeat in successive World Cup finals, this one may be all the more painful because her side had seemed more primed for it.
It was only 1-0 but the gap in pure football terms felt far greater. This is the immense challenge in facing this Spain, what space to protect, how far you can go. Even Wiegman eventually found a problem she couldn’t solve. It was a challenge – and a game – too far.
Mike Jones21 August 2023 10:22
England Lionesses cheered and applauded at airport as they begin journey home
England’s Lionesses were applauded as they began the journey home from Australia after their World Cup Final defeat.
Sarina Wiegman’s side lost 1-0 to Spain in a tight match in Sydney on Sunday.
However, footage on social media showed the team being clapped and cheered at Sydney Airport on Monday ahead of their flight back to the UK.
Players signed autographs and took pictures with fans, while head coach Wiegman was seen waving and smiling.
Mike Jones21 August 2023 10:15
We gave everything – Sarina Wiegman so proud despite ‘hard to take’ final defeat
England boss Sarina Wiegman felt the Lionesses exhausted every effort to win their first Women’s World Cup final despite coming up just short with a 1-0 loss to Spain in Sydney.
The Dutch boss, who led England to their first major trophy at last summer’s European Championship, finds herself with a silver medal in two consecutive attempts after steering 2019 runners-up the Netherlands to the title-decider four years ago in France.
Second place is still a best-ever finish for the Lionesses in a global showpiece, beating their bronze medal from 2015, but the three-time FIFA Best winning coach knows from experience it may take some time before the sting subsides.
“It feels really bad, of course, and very disappointed, but still very proud of the team. I’m just hurt about this moment. Losing a game and in a final, when you’re in a final you want to win it.”
Read the England coaches full thoughts below:
Mike Jones21 August 2023 10:09
England players ‘heartbroken’ after World Cup final defeat to Spain
The Lionesses were given hope when Mary Earps brilliantly saved Jenni Hermoso’s penalty, but Sarina Wiegman’s side were unable to find the equaliser.
Read the full reaction from members of the England camp below:
Mike Jones21 August 2023 10:06
‘England did us proud’: Stars congratulate Lionesses for World Cup final efforts
British stars from the world of showbiz and broadcasting have shared messages of appreciation for the Lionesses who lost to Spain in the Women’s World Cup final.
Spain secured a final 1-0 victory in Sydney on Sunday, following Olga Carmona’s first-half goal, however, Sarina Wiegman’s side still achieved a best-ever second-place finish.
Mike Jones21 August 2023 10:03
Prince William sends ‘thank you’ message to Lionesses after World Cup final defeat
The Prince of Wales has shared a message of consolation with the Lionesses after their defeat against Spain at the World Cup final.
Spain’s women’s football team beat England 1-0 in the final, the first time since 1966 that any England football team had reached a World Cup final. In response to the disappointing result, William sent an encouraging message to the team on social media.
“Although it’s the result none of us wanted, @Lionesses you have done yourselves and this nation proud,” he wrote on Sunday afternoon.
“Your spirit & drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come. Thank you for the footballing memories.”
He concluded his message by sharing a message of congratulations to Spain, before signing off with his initial, “W”.
Mike Jones21 August 2023 10:00