Well, and that is that. With a Women’s World Cup Final loss for England, the World Cup is over and Spain are Champions.
England weren’t at their best in the first half where Spain dominated possession and Olga Carmona took her chance to place the ball in the back of the net when Lucy Bronze lost position in the middle of the pitch. Spain capitalised on this and played the ball out to their right wing where they overloaded England due to Bronze being caught out of position.
Sarina Weigman made a statement by making changes at half time to take off Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly, replacing them with Chloe Kelly and Lauren James, and reverting to a 4-3-3. England were better in the second half but Spain were resilient in their game plan and did not give England much in the way of attacking football.
Mary Earps has proven her worth again and again for England, and this was cemented when she saved a Jennifer Hermoso penalty following a Keira Walsh handball.
Although the Nation is displaying it’s disappointment in the silver medal, I’m sure once the pain has passed more will begin to recognise the significant impact of getting to the World Cup Final, the first for England since 1966. Young footballers, male or female, will start to understand that this is the norm, this is the way it should be. And we’re all proud of the incredible achievement of the Lionesses.
