England v Spain LIVE: Reaction to Women’s World Cup final result as Lionesses suffer heartbreak

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).

Relive England’s clash against Spain below:

Women’s World Cup final LIVE: England vs Spain updates

• England lose 1-0 to Spain in Women’s World Cup final

• Olga Carmona’s first-half goal proves enough despite Mary Earps penalty save

• REPORT: England suffer World Cup heartache as brilliant Spain show Lionesses what’s missing

• ANALYSIS: A change too far? England’s last roll of the dice comes up short

• Anti-Putin protestor interrupts final with pitch invasion

• Spain star Jenni Hermoso reacts after FA president kisses her on lips

• World Cup winner Olga Carmona learns of father’s death minutes after final whistle

Lionesses receive surprise reception as they start journey back to England

09:43 , Jamie Braidwood

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.

The two sides of the Women’s World Cup — and the truth about where power still lies

09:38 , Jamie Braidwood

Surrounded by celebrations, an otherwise satisfied Alexia Putellas wasn’t going to completely let go - or let it go.

“It annoys me,” she said in the Stadium Australia mixed zone. You might call it the two sides of this Spain team, who have been beset by issues that also fittingly reflect the two sides of this World Cup. Putellas was certainly calling it that.

“This year has been an education for me,” she went on. “I have learned how this business is going”

One of the defining players in women’s football was at least going to turn towards this decisive issue, that framed the entire campaign.

“You’ve seen that the minute women’s footballers believe a little and are provided with basic facilities, everything comes out better,” Putellas said.

“It annoys me because it’s not just one country, it’s repeated. And Fifa have to take note. There are many countries who have spent time with disputes and they are disputes the players have made. That saps your energy when the player only wants to focus on training, looking after themselves, preparing properly and leaving everything on the pitch.”

That’s certainly what the Spanish players did. Through that, they were also vintage champions in how they reflected and brought together the prevailing trends of the game - from the tactics to the deeper tectonics. Olga Carmona’s supreme final goal may have separated them from England and the rest of the planet, but they had common cause with every other team.

The two sides of the Women’s World Cup — and the truth about where power still lies

Mary Earps’ World Cup Golden Glove award still isn’t enough to convince Nike to sell her shirt

09:23 , Jamie Braidwood

Fans of the Lionesses will still not be able to buy a replica of Mary Earps’ goalkeeper kit despite an ongoing campaign throughout the Women’s World Cup to convince kit suppliers Nike to put one on sale.

Nike decided last month that it wouldn’t be making Earps’ goalkeeper kit available to purchase and the decision drew criticism from fans, celebrities, and even Earps herself who called the decision ‘hugely hurtful’.

Nike issued an update on their decision after fresh calls to produce Earps’ England shirt came flooding in following the 30-year-old’s incredible performance in the World Cup showpiece.

In their statement released on Sunday, Nike promised to address the matter in ‘future tournaments’.

Mary Earps’ Golden Glove award isn’t enough to convince Nike to sell her shirt

How not to win a World Cup: Spain, Jorge Vilda and the story of a complicated victory

08:10 , Jamie Braidwood

As Olga Carmona ran back to the Spanish celebrations, having just declared that the federation’s support was “marvellous” with a World Cup medal around her neck, she and manager Jorge Vilda high-fived then shared a huge hug.

It was an image that went against the more proliferated images of other players refusing to even look at their coach in the moment of glory.

This is not to try and say it was all much rosier in the Spanish camp than had been reported. It is quite the opposite. It points to how multi-layered the many issues in the squad were, going way beyond a mutiny against the manager.

The tragic news of Carmona’s father passing away before the final put all of this into its correct context, but the issues were real.

The Spanish federation’s social media account did put out a post with a picture of the coach and the Women’s World Cup trophy declaring “Vilda in”. The manager, having eventually appeared for his press conference after almost three hours of celebrating, was asked about this – and those who doubted him. In other words, the players at the core of the mutiny, who did not come back.

By Miguel Delaney on an unprecedented World Cup victory

How not to win a World Cup: Spain, Jorge Vilda and the story of a complicated victory

England’s impact will last far longer than pain of World Cup final defeat

07:55 , Jamie Braidwood

There remains a space above England’s crest, where that star could have been. It was what Lucy Bronze had dreamt of, ever since the moment where she first played for her country and realised England’s men’s and women’s teams don’t share the same badge. The Lionesses had the chance to change that, the opportunity to add their first star, the moment to capture their 1966.

But the wait will now go on. After a historic tournament where the Lionesses again made their mark back home and demonstrated the immense power of what they have created, Sarina Wiegman’s side were left with a devastatingly simple conclusion. As a first Women’s World Cup slipped out of reach, the deflating reality was that, on the day, Spain were just better.

And as England’s World Cup came to a close, there was no disgrace in that – certainly not against a side as talented as Spain’s, even with their issues. At full time, as the Spanish players celebrated at one end of the pitch, head coach Jorge Vilda and his staff at the other, Wiegman and her team were a picture of unity in the centre. Even in that moment, they realised they had already managed to achieve something far greater.

England’s impact will last far longer than pain of World Cup final defeat

England backed to come back stronger after World Cup final defeat

07:32 , Jamie Braidwood

Captain Millie Bright is confident England will emerge a stronger side after processing the gut-wrenching reality of finishing as World Cup runners-up.

Bright said: “The mentality has always been there. The character has been there, too. We show that, day in, day out, and in every game. We’ve just played in a World Cup final, it’s hard to see it like that at the moment. I’m proud of the girls.

“We’ve played on the highest stage. We’ve had a shot at competing for the trophy we have always wanted but this isn’t the end of the journey and we will definitely bounce back. For now, though, we’ll let it settle.

“There are probably one million different feelings. Pride, disappointment, heartbroken that we didn’t win.

“We came off the pitch holding our heads high, knowing that we have given absolutely everything in the game. In the second half especially we left it all out there.

“We didn’t take our chances today and those are the small margins that decide football in a final against a top, top team.

“You get those chances and hit the crossbar, the keeper makes saves. They get theirs and put it in the net.”

Fans demand Nike sell Mary Earps’ shirt after keeper’s World Cup final heroics

07:03 , Jamie Braidwood

England fans are demanding Nike start selling a replica goalkeeper shirt after Mary Earps’ Women’s World Cup final heroics saw her scoop the competition’s Golden Glove award.

Earps saved Jennifer Hermoso’s spotkick and was a standout performer for the Lionesses, as they lost 1-0 to Spain at the 75,000-plus seat Stadium Australia in Sydney on Sunday.

The Manchester United star, dubbed “Mary Queen of Stops”, previously expressed her dismay over the “very hurtful” decision not to put her replica shirt on sale ahead of the World Cup.

After Sunday’s final, pressure increased on Nike to “step up” and release a Mary Earps shirt, and the company said it is “working towards solutions for future tournaments”.

Fans demand Nike sell Mary Earps’ shirt after keeper’s World Cup final heroics

The vital lesson England must take to ‘continue breaking barriers’ despite World Cup final defeat

03:31 , Jamie Braidwood

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

The vital lesson England must take to ‘continue breaking barriers’

World Cup winner Olga Carmona learns of father’s death minutes after final whistle

02:51 , Jamie Braidwood

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.

World Cup-winning goal scorer learns of father’s death minutes after final whistle

Spain star Jenni Hermoso reacts after FA president kisses her on lips

02:40 , Jamie Braidwood

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.

Spain star reacts after FA president kisses her on lips

England suffer World Cup heartache as brilliant Spain show Lionesses what’s missing

Sunday 20 August 2023 19:00 , Ben Fleming

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 divine 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 and 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 faces 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 game – too far.

Read Miguel Delaney’s full report from Sydney:

England suffer World Cup heartache as brilliant Spain show Lionesses what’s missing

A change too far? England’s last roll of the dice comes up short

Sunday 20 August 2023 18:40 , Ben Fleming

England had covered the gaps, they had filled the holes. They had adjusted, adapted, repositioned, created a new formation, and reached a first World Cup final. Then England changed again.

Down 1-0 in the World Cup final, Sarina Wiegman went for a last roll of the dice, a double substitution that saw Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly brought off and Lauren James and Chloe Kelly come on. That 3-5-2 that was England’s revelation of the tournament, that changed their World Cup? It was binned. England went back to 4-3-3. They disposed of the wing-backs and brought on the wingers. They stopped pressing Spain and abandoned their plan.

But perhaps Wiegman and England needed to stick with their conviction. For the first time at the World Cup, the Lionesses did not find the changes that were required. James and Kelly brought moments of improvement, but the truth is that England were at their most dangerous when Lauren Hemp and Russo were combining as a front two. Hemp’s switch to a central role took away the threat that was everywhere in the first half, and left Wiegman searching for something else. On came Beth England. Up went Millie Bright. But this was a situation England could not overcome.

Read Jamie Braidwood’s full report from Sydney:

A change too far? England’s last roll of the dice comes up short

Jorge Vilda: Spain’s World Cup coach at the heart of a civil war

Sunday 20 August 2023 18:20 , Ben Fleming

Spain may have been victorious today, but the World Cup triumph comes alongside a long-standing, ugly dispute between players and the Spanish FA.

At the heart of it are disputes over the head coach, Jorge Vilda, with several players boycotting the national side due to his continued presence.

You can find out more in the feature below:

Jorge Vilda: Spain’s World Cup coach at the heart of a civil war

‘I don’t have any words for this moment’ - Bonmati

Sunday 20 August 2023 18:00 , Ben Fleming

Spain’s World Cup winner, Aitana Bonmati was left almost speechless after her side’s 1-0 win against England to win the Women’s World Cup.

Bonmati, who has been a lynchpin of the Spanish side throughout the tournament, put in another solid display as Spain’s captain, Olga Carmona, fired them to a famous victory in Australia.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, she said: “I don’t have any words for this moment, it’s unbelievable. I’m so proud because he had a great tournament. We suffered but we enjoyed and we deserve it.

“Everyone knew the goal at the beginning of the tournament. Everyone is competitive, everyone has a strong mentality to win. We have been working for a lot of years for this moment and now we have it. We have the trophy.”

Olga Carmona dedicates goal to mother of a friend who passed away

Sunday 20 August 2023 17:40 , Ben Fleming

As the Spanish captain wheeled away in celebration after scoring Spain’s winning goal in the World Cup final, the left-back lifted up her shirt to reveal a message: “Merchi”

It has now been revealed by the Spaniard that the word was in memory of a friend’s mother who recently passed away.

We gave everything – Sarina Wiegman so proud despite ‘hard to take’ final defeat

Sunday 20 August 2023 17:20 , Ben Fleming

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:

We gave everything – Sarina Wiegman so proud despite ‘hard to take’ final defeat

Prince William sends ‘thank you’ message to Lionesses after World Cup final defeat

Sunday 20 August 2023 17:00 , Ben Fleming

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”.

Injured Lioness Beth Mead says World Cup has been ‘tough to watch’ from home

Sunday 20 August 2023 16:40 , Ben Fleming

Injured Lioness Beth Mead has revealed her devastation at not being at the World Cup this year alongside her teammates.

The Arsenal player ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament last November, and didn’t recover in time for the tournament, which saw England make it all the way to the final alongside Spain.

“It’s been a tough tournament to sit there and watch the games when you know you could’ve possibly been involved”, she told Sky. “I’m full of emotions.”

Watch the full video below:

Injured Lioness Beth Mead says World Cup has been ‘tough to watch’ from home

England players ‘heartbroken’ after World Cup final defeat to Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 16:15 , Ben Fleming

England captain Millie Bright said the Lionesses are “heartbroken” after an agonising defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.

Olga Carmona’s first-half strike settled the Sydney final as England’s bid to win their first World Cup in 57 years came up short.

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:

England players ‘heartbroken’ after World Cup final defeat to Spain

‘England did us proud’: Gary Lineker leads stars congratulating Lionesses for World Cup final efforts

Sunday 20 August 2023 16:00 , Ben Fleming

England’s Lionesses have received messages of appreciation from the showbiz world after losing 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.

Read more about the messages of support below:

Gary Lineker leads stars congratulating Lionesses for World Cup final efforts

Spain beat England to win the Women’s World Cup - story of the final

Sunday 20 August 2023 15:44 , Ben Fleming

In the end, however, Earps’s save would be in vain. England huffed and puffed but were unable to create a game-changing chance to draw the game level. Substitute Lauren James had a decent effort denied but after a late corner was cleared, the full-time whistle sounded and Spain were victorious:

Spain beat England to win the Women’s World Cup - story of the final

Sunday 20 August 2023 15:42 , Ben Fleming

After the break, Earps was called into action on numerous occasions, making smart saves to deny Caldentey from the edge of the box. Her biggest moment, though, would come in the 70th minute when Spain were awarded a penalty after a lengthy VAR check.

Kiera Walsh was adjudged to have handled the ball but England’s shot-stopper bailed her out with a vital penalty save to deny Hermoso:

Spain beat England to win the Women’s World Cup - story of the final

Sunday 20 August 2023 15:39 , Ben Fleming

For England, it could have got even worse just before the break when the young Salma Paralluelo nearly doubled Spain’s lead on the brink of half-time. Having been found by Ona Batlle, her sweeping effort just bounced off the post and wide.

Spain beat England to win the Women’s World Cup - story of the final

Sunday 20 August 2023 15:37 , Ben Fleming

Spain, however, would continue to grow into the game, having more of the ball and controlling the game’s tempo. They were rewarded for that pressure as a slight mistake from Lucy Bronze was punished as Olga Carmona fired home what would be the winning goal:

Spain beat England to win the Women’s World Cup - story of the final

Sunday 20 August 2023 15:30 , Ben Fleming

Now the dust has settled, let’s begin to take a look back at the key moments from today’s final.

After a tense opening period, England had the first big chance to open the scoring when Lauren Hemp’s strike crashed off the bar after just 16 minutes.

What a different game it could have been if this had gone in:

‘Vilda In’ - Spanish FA celebrates controversial coach after World Cup win

Sunday 20 August 2023 15:20 , Ben Fleming

The Spanish head coach is a controversial figure within the Spanish women’s football setup with 12 current players still refusing to play for the national team until Jorge Vilda is removed.

Despite this, the Spanish FA (RFEF) has continued to back the 42-year-old and have now publically reaffirmed their support for the manager after Spain’s victory today:

Pitch invader forces delay in the Women’s World Cup final

Sunday 20 August 2023 15:12 , Ben Fleming

In case you missed it, a pitch invader forced a delay in the Women’s World Cup final during the first half.

The game had been going on for 26 minutes when a man wearing a mask and with a political message on his shirt entered the field of play. The man got close to England international Lauren Hemp before being rugby-tackled by stewards.

The man had a t-shirt on with a message saying ‘stop Putler’ likening Russian president Vladimir Putin to former German dictator Adolf Hitler.

The back of the shirt had a Ukraine flag and read ‘free Ukraine’.

Olga Carmona dedicates goal to mother of a friend who passed away

Sunday 20 August 2023 15:03 , Ben Fleming

As the Spanish captain wheeled away in celebration after scoring Spain’s winning goal in the World Cup final, the left-back lifted up her shirt to reveal a message: “Merchi”

It has now been revealed by the Spaniard that the word was in memory of a friend’s mother who recently passed away.

Mary Earps speaks to BBC Radio 5 Live

Sunday 20 August 2023 14:48 , Ben Fleming

“They had a chance and took it, and we didn’t. I felt like we were really in the game. I’m sure we will feel really proud in a couple of weeks but right now it is really raw. Gutting.

“In a couple of weeks, when the emotion has settled down we will probably be able to look back and feel proud - it is no small feat to get to a World Cup final. But we are very competitive people, we came here to win the game and get a gold medal, not a silver one.

“At the same time, you need to try and be as present as possible. These moments don’t come around very often. I will probably look back on this as up there as one of my career highlights but right now it just doesn’t feel like it.”

Jorge Vilda: Spain’s World Cup coach at the heart of a civil war

Sunday 20 August 2023 14:43 , Ben Fleming

Spain may have been victorious today, but the World Cup triumph comes alongside a long-standing, ugly dispute between players and the Spanish FA.

At the heart of it are disputes over the head coach, Jorge Vilda, with several players boycotting the national side due to his continued presence.

You can find out more in the feature below:

Jorge Vilda: Spain’s World Cup coach at the heart of a civil war

England players ‘heartbroken’ after World Cup final defeat to Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 14:35 , Ben Fleming

England captain Millie Bright said the Lionesses are “heartbroken” after an agonising defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.

Olga Carmona’s first-half strike settled the Sydney final as England’s bid to win their first World Cup in 57 years came up short.

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:

England players ‘heartbroken’ after World Cup final defeat to Spain

‘England did us proud’: Stars congratulate Lionesses for World Cup final efforts

Sunday 20 August 2023 14:25 , Ben Fleming

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.

Read more below:

‘England did us proud’: Stars congratulate Lionesses for World Cup final efforts

King and Queen attend church as Lionesses battle in World Cup final

Sunday 20 August 2023 14:15 , Luke Baker

The King and Queen attended church near Balmoral as the Lionesses were battling Spain in their historic Women’s World Cup final.

Charles and Camilla were pictured arriving at Crathie Kirk for a Sunday service while the England squad were being put through their paces in the tense clash in Sydney, that ended with Spain triumphing 1-0.

A Palace source had said on Saturday: "Both Their Majesties will be following Sunday's events with the greatest interest."

Charles, who is head of the Church of England, was driving the couple's car on Sunday, while Camilla was seen smiling in the front passenger seat. The King had urged the Lionesses to "roar to victory" in a message ahead of the match.

Charles and Camilla arrived at church shortly before the start of the 11.30am service and left around an hour later, meaning they appeared to have missed the bulk of the game.

The Lionesses kicked off at 11am UK time, with the final whistle, signalling Spain's 1-0 triumph, sounding just after 1pm. The couple may have just had time to return to Birkhall, where they are believed to be staying, to watch the last moments of the game.

Reporting by PA

Prince William sends ‘thank you’ message to Lionesses after World Cup final defeat

Sunday 20 August 2023 14:10 , Ben Fleming

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”.

FULL-TIME: England 0-1 Spain (SPAIN WIN THE WORLD CUP)

Sunday 20 August 2023 14:03 , Ben Fleming

England had covered the gaps, they had filled the holes. They had adjusted, adapted, repositioned, created a new formation, and reached a first World Cup final. Then England changed again.

Down 1-0 in the World Cup final, Sarina Wiegman went for a last roll of the dice, a double substitution that saw Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly brought off and Lauren James and Chloe Kelly come on. That 3-5-2 that was England’s revelation of the tournament, that changed their World Cup? It was binned. England went back to 4-3-3. They disposed of the wing-backs and brought on the wingers. They stopped pressing Spain and abandoned their plan.

But perhaps Wiegman and England needed to stick with their conviction. For the first time at the World Cup, the Lionesses did not find the changes that were required. James and Kelly brought moments of improvement, but the truth is that England were at their most dangerous when Lauren Hemp and Russo were combining as a front two. Hemp’s switch to a central role took away the threat that was everywhere in the first half, and left Wiegman searching for something else. On came Beth England. Up went Millie Bright. But this was a situation England could not overcome.

Read Jamie Braidwood’s full report from Sydney:

A change too far? England’s last roll of the dice comes up short

FULL-TIME: England 0-1 Spain (SPAIN WIN THE WORLD CUP)

Sunday 20 August 2023 13:57 , Ben Fleming

Former England midfielder, Fara Williams speaking on BBC Sport: “Take nothing away from this Spanish team, they were the better team over the 90 minutes.

“Sarina Wiegman and the players will learn from this and bounce back - they’re a young team with plenty of talent and a lot more to come.”

FULL-TIME: England 0-1 Spain (SPAIN WIN THE WORLD CUP)

Sunday 20 August 2023 13:55 , Ben Fleming

Spain’s World Cup winner, Aitana Bonmati speaking to BBC Sport: “I don’t have any words for this moment, it’s unbelievable. I’m so proud because he had a great tournament. We suffered but we enjoyed and we deserve it.

“Everyone knew the goal at the beginning of the tournament. Everyone is competitive, everyone has a strong mentality to win. We have been working for a lot of years for this moment and now we have it. We have the trophy.”

FULL-TIME: England 0-1 Spain (SPAIN WIN THE WORLD CUP)

Sunday 20 August 2023 13:47 , Ben Fleming

England boss, Serina Wiegman speaking on BBC Sport: “Everyone has seen an incredible game, a very open game - both teams who want to play football. Two different halves from us. The first we really struggled to press the ball and so we changed into a 4-3-3.

“I think we got the momentum back but then the tempo went out of the game with the penalty and injury to Alex [Greenwood]. After all, Spain were just a little better than we were today and they had a great tournament.

“This happens in sport but what we have done, how we have shown ourselves - overcoming so many challenges - I think we can be very proud of ourselves but it doesn’t feel that way at the moment.”

FULL-TIME: England 0-1 Spain (SPAIN WIN THE WORLD CUP)

Sunday 20 August 2023 13:40 , Ben Fleming

Spain are next up, jubilant as they accept their winners’ medals and kiss the trophy. They were the better team today and deservedly lift the World Cup trophy high into the Australian night sky.

FULL-TIME: England 0-1 Spain (SPAIN WIN THE WORLD CUP)

Sunday 20 August 2023 13:38 , Ben Fleming

Alex Scott speaking on BBC Sport: “It is a bittersweet moment. It hurts but this is a proud moment to see an England team even make a World Cup final.

“To have everyone at home tuning in, seeing them they should be so proud of themselves.”

FULL-TIME: England 0-1 Spain (SPAIN WIN THE WORLD CUP)

Sunday 20 August 2023 13:32 , Ben Fleming

The trophy ceremony is getting underway. Spain’s Salma Paralluelo is first up picking up her award for young player of the tournament.

And there are mixed emotions for May Earps as she accepts the Golden Glove award for best keeper. The England shot-stopper was superb in the final but it wasn’t to be.

Now the England players head up to accept their runner-up medals. They applaud the crowd but there’s still plenty of dejected faces in England shirts.

England suffer World Cup heartache as brilliant Spain show Lionesses what’s missing

Sunday 20 August 2023 13:32 , Luke Baker

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 divine 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 and 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 faces 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 game – too far.

Read Miguel Delaney’s full report from Sydney:

England suffer World Cup heartache as brilliant Spain show Lionesses what’s missing

FULL-TIME: England 0-1 Spain (SPAIN WIN THE WORLD CUP)

Sunday 20 August 2023 13:27 , Ben Fleming

England captain Millie Bright speaking to BBC Sport: “It’s really hard to take. We gave everything we can hand on heart say that. The first half we weren’t at our best, in the second half we bounced back and showed our fight and character.

“We had chances but we just didn’t have that final edge today. There was a lot of belief [after half-time]. We’ve been 1-0 down before and bounced back and that was the aim today.

“Sometimes it’s hard to take but that is football. We’re absolutely heartbroken, we gave everything but unfortunately, we just weren’t there today.”

FULL-TIME: England 0-1 Spain (SPAIN WIN THE WORLD CUP)

Sunday 20 August 2023 13:20 , Ben Fleming

Some interesting observations from The Independent’s Miguel Delaney and Jamie Braidwood in the stadium:

The Spanish players have certainly had a fractured relationship with their manager Jorge Vilda for numerous years. That certainly hasn’t been forgotten despite this win:

FULL-TIME: England 0-1 Spain (SPAIN WIN THE WORLD CUP)

Sunday 20 August 2023 13:17 , Ben Fleming

FULL-TIME: England 0-1 Spain (SPAIN WIN THE WORLD CUP)

Sunday 20 August 2023 13:13 , Ben Fleming

Former England striker, Ellen White speaking on BBC One: “This England side can be so proud of what they have done for this tournament, what they’ve done for women’s football, what they’ve done for our sport back home as well, inspiring a generation and empowering women.”

FULL-TIME: England 0-1 Spain (SPAIN WIN THE WORLD CUP)

Sunday 20 August 2023 13:11 , Ben Fleming

Both sets of players now huddle around each other. Two very different moods. The party is only just getting started for Spain but this will sting for England who came so close.

FULL-TIME: England 0-1 Spain (SPAIN WIN THE WORLD CUP)

Sunday 20 August 2023 13:07 , Ben Fleming

The Spanish players charge onto the pitch and embrace each other. They were the better team on the night and they have won their first World Cup.

For England, it’s emotional. Players are in tears, down on their knees. It’s a tournament to be proud of but they’ve come up just short on this occasion in Australia.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 13:04 , Ben Fleming

90+14 mins: A last-ditch corner for England. Earps is up for it but Cata claims it and the full-time whistle goes!

It’s heartbreak for the Lionesses as Spain win the World Cup!

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 13:02 , Ben Fleming

90+13 mins: A late chance for England at last as Hemp bursts down the right. Her cross is well delivered but it just can’t find Beth England in the box and Spain can clear.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 13:00 , Ben Fleming

90+11 mins: Two minutes remaining....still England search. No real chances as of yet in injury time for the Lionesses.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:57 , Ben Fleming

90+8 mins: Spain break forward once again as Paralluelo forces a sliding block from Bronze and Spain win a corner deep into injury time.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:56 , Ben Fleming

90+7 mins: Time rapidly running out for England as Spain continue to do a good job of slowing the game down and disrupting the Lionesses at every opportunity.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:53 , Ben Fleming

90+4 mins: England come forward now but there’s just a lack of quality with the final pass as Kelly’s cross is cleared away with ease by the Spanish defence.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:51 , Ben Fleming

90+2 mins: SAVE! Big save again from Earps to deny Batlle. England throwing people forward and leave themselves open at the back but England’s keeper - as she has done all game - keeps her side in it with a great save down low.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:49 , Ben Fleming

90 mins: 13 MINUTES of added time for England to find an equaliser.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:49 , Ben Fleming

89 mins: A fantastic last-ditch block from Carter to deny Hermoso inside the box. Spain make a late change as Putellas comes on for Caldentey.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:46 , Ben Fleming

87 mins: Perhaps one final roll of the dice for the Lionesses as England comes on up top for Toone.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:44 , Ben Fleming

85 mins: Hermoso the latest down receiving treatment after being caught late. We’re in for plenty of stoppage time...

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:42 , Ben Fleming

82 mins: Greenwood is back up, with a new shirt, and ready to continue. England continue to push for her opener but Bronze’s cross is not met by anyone in a blue shirt in the area.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:37 , Ben Fleming

78 mins: A stoppage now for England as Greenwood is down after being caught by the knee of Paralluelo who receives a yellow card.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:35 , Ben Fleming

76 mins: SAVE! England have been on top since that pause for the injury and James now finds her way into the game for her first effort on goal. It’s a tight angle left of the goal but it requires the fingertips of Cata to tip it behind for a corner.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:32 , Ben Fleming

72 mins: Codina is down receiving treatment, giving England a vital chance to regroup and mentally prepare themselves for this final 25 minutes.

In the end, the Spanish centre-back can’t continue with Andres replacing her.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:29 , Ben Fleming

70 mins: PENALTY SAVED! A huge moment in this final as Earps makes the save. She guesses correctly to her left and it’s a vital save to deny Hermoso.

A huge let-off for England.

Replays show she may have been a bit off her line but it wasn’t checked and England won’t care one bit.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:27 , Ben Fleming

67 mins: PENALTY! It’s a long, drawn-out process as Tori Penso looks at the monitor and discusses it with the VAR team.

In the end, it’s a penalty and Spain have a chance to double their lead.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:24 , Ben Fleming

65 mins: It’s desperate defending from England as Paralluelo effort is deflected behind for a corner. But wait, there’s a nervous wait now for England as a VAR check begins for a Kiera Walsh handball.

She heads to the monitor...

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:21 , Ben Fleming

62 mins: Bonmati with another lovely turn in the middle of the park as she bears down on goal. The midfielder tries her luck from range but her left-footed drive goes just over the bar with Earps well beaten.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:19 , Ben Fleming

60 mins: Spain make their first change of the game as Redondo comes off for Hernandez.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:17 , Ben Fleming

58 mins: Some better passages of play as England focus their play down the right. A cross aiming for the far post can’t quite find Carter - now playing at left-back - but it’s better from Wiegman’s side.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:13 , Ben Fleming

54 mins: CHANCE! Much better from England. Kelly gets into the action for the first time off the bench with an inch-perfect bending delivery from the right wing. It finds Hemp at the far post but she can’t quite find the target.

Moments later and Hemp is in the book after a challenge on Codina - that looked Harsh on the England player.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 12:09 , Ben Fleming

50 mins: SAVE! Earps produces another fantastic save early in the second half to keep the deficit at one goal. Caldentey bends her effort around Bright on the edge of the box but England’s keeper dives well to her left to flick it around the post.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:55 , Ben Fleming

46 mins: And we are back underway in the second half. A double change at the break for England as Daly and Russo come off for James and Kelly.

We suspected James would be on at some stage - she has 45 minutes now to find a way back for England.

HALF TIME: England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:53 , Jamie Braidwood

By Jamie Braidwood at Stadium Australia

That was a difficult half for England. The game was so finely balanced. The Lionesses pushed extremely high when Spain looked to build from deep and it left all sorts of gaps in behind. The goal was a disaster from England’s point of view, with Lucy Bronze looking to do far too much as she dribbled out from right back. It left the Lionesses completely out of shape and Spain punished them. It was a brilliant finish from Olga Carmona.

HALF-TIME: England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:52 , Ben Fleming

Not the first 45 minutes that England would have been looking for as they trail 1-0 at the break to Carmona’s strike.

The Lionesses could have taken the lead but Hemp’s edge-of-the-box effort cannoned back off the crossbar.

Since the goal, England have struggled to pose a threat, with Paralluelo’s chance on the brink of half-time almost doubling Spain’s advantage.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:50 , Ben Fleming

45+1 mins: POST! A huge chance before the break as Paralluelo’s sweeping effort comes within inches of doubling Spain’s lead. It just goes wide off the post but Spain head into the break 1-0 up and the far happier of the two sides.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:48 , Ben Fleming

45 mins: Hemp has more space down the right side but her cross into the box lets her down and Spain just about hack it clear. Just one minute of added time to end this first half.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:45 , Ben Fleming

42 mins; MISS! Big chance for England as they spring into life. Hemp gets some space down the right and she drills in a low cross to Toone. She has the goal at her mercy but can’t connect with the cross.

The offside flag goes up so it wouldn’t have counted but that’s more promising from the Lionesses.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:41 , Ben Fleming

37 mins: More sloppy defending from England as Paredes is afforded far too much space in the box from a free-kick. The centre-back gets her header on goal but it’s blocked before she swipes her second effort well wide.

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:41 , Luke Baker

A pitch invader forced a delay in the Women’s World Cup final during the first half.

The game had been going on for 26 minutes when a man wearing a mask and with a political message on his shirt entered the field of play.

Anti-Putin protest interrupts Women’s World Cup final

England 0-1 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:38 , Ben Fleming

35 mins: England had to come from behind against Colombia in their quarter-final victory and they’ll have to do so again. Spain have looked good since that goal, controlling the ball and stifling England’s ability to mount an attack.

Pitch invader makes political message to interrupt Women’s World Cup final

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:36 , Jack Rathborn

GOAL! England 0-1 Spain (Carmona, ‘29)

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:32 , Ben Fleming

Spain are ahead and it’s the captain with the goal. Bronze gives away the ball on the right side and it’s her opposite number, Orga Carmona who latches onto the loose ball. The left-back surges into the box before unleashing a drive across goal and into the far corner.

She scored the vital goal in her nation’s semi-final win against Sweden and now she has a huge goal in the final.

England 0-0 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:30 , Ben Fleming

27 mins: Daly showcases her all-round game once again with a superbly timed tackle to win a goal-kick. Last season’s WSL top scorer showing she can do it all.

England 0-0 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:27 , Ben Fleming

23 mins: Hemp’s influence on this England team is evident in these early stages. The forward bursts through two Spanish tackles and wins a foul in the protest.

There’s a slight delay as a protester makes their way onto the pitch. Play continues but Spain clear away the resulting free-kick.

England 0-0 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:23 , Ben Fleming

20 mins: Chances flowing at both ends now as Hemp stings the palms of Cata in the Spanish goal. Straight at her but another threatening sign from the Manchester City forward.

England 0-0 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:21 , Ben Fleming

17 mins: CLOSE! Out of nowhere this game has sprung into life. A ball in from the left from Carmona is aimed at Paralluelo. She can’t connect fully but it runs through to Redondo whose effort is somehow kept out by a superb save from Earps.

And breathe...

England 0-0 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:19 , Ben Fleming

16 mins: OFF THE BAR! England so close to the opener as Hemp’s effort crashes off the bar! England’s forward is a fraction of space on the edge of the box and lets fly. Her effort has the beating of Cata but rebounds back off the bar.

England 0-0 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:18 , Ben Fleming

15 mins: Walsh with the ball inside England’s half but she’s dispossesed by Paralluelo. The ref blows up for a foul but a warning sign for England that they can’t be too comfortable on the ball.

England 0-0 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:15 , Ben Fleming

12 mins: A bit sloppy from Spain on that occasion. Russo can’t quite control the ball but it’s out for the first corner of the day. Cata comes through a crowded box well to claim the cross.

England 0-0 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:13 , Ben Fleming

10 mins: Not much to report from the opening ten minutes. England try to release Russo down the channel - that won’t be the first time we’ll be saying that - but this time the Spain defence deal with the threat well as they maintain their upper hand in terms of possession.

England 0-0 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:09 , Ben Fleming

6 mins: England have to be careful in transition as Redondo gets a bit too much space on the right. The Spaniard’s cross has a bit too much on it - thankfully for England - and the Lionesses can clear.

England 0-0 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:08 , Ben Fleming

5 mins: The first shot of the game falls to Lauren Hemp but it’s a comfortable save in goal for Cata.

England 0-0 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:06 , Jack Rathborn

3 mins: An even start to this encounter with both sides working their way into this huge encounter.

England 0-0 Spain

Sunday 20 August 2023 11:02 , Luke Baker

Anthems done, pre-match photos taken, pendants exchanged.

It’s time.

England kick off and the 2023 World Cup final is under way!

England vs Spain: Women’s World Cup final

Sunday 20 August 2023 10:58 , Ben Fleming

The players now make their way out onto the pitch. It’s time for the national anthems.

England vs Spain: Women’s World Cup final

Sunday 20 August 2023 10:54 , Ben Fleming

We’re less than ten minutes away from kick-off and the atmosphere in the stadium is feverish.

The players are in the tunnel as the World Cup trophy is paraded out onto the pitch.

England vs Spain: Women’s World Cup final

Sunday 20 August 2023 10:48 , Ben Fleming

Fans back home have shown up to watch the game at a number of public screenings:

England vs Spain: Women’s World Cup final

Sunday 20 August 2023 10:43 , Ben Fleming

In case you missed yesterday’s action, Sweden beat Australia to win World Cup third-place play-off for fourth time.

Sweden struck in either half to retain their World Cup best of the rest status with victory over co-hosts Australia in the third-place play-off.

A Fridolina Rolfo penalty and fine Kosovare Asllani strike secured a 2-0 win for Sweden, who never looked in danger of losing to the home favourites in Brisbane.

Read the full report below:

Sweden beat Australia to win World Cup third-place play-off for fourth time

Women’s World Cup Final - England’s tournament so far

Sunday 20 August 2023 10:36 , Ben Fleming

For England, it’s all been about building into the tournament. They’ve dealt with injuries before the tournament, during the tournament and suspensions but now stand just 90 minutes away from World Cup glory.

England’s road to the final:

Group stages

England 1-0 Haiti

England 1-0 Denmark

England 6-1 China

Round of 16

England 0-0 Nigeria (England won 4-2 on penalties)

Quater-final

England 2-1 Colombia

Semi-finals

England 3-1 Australia

Women’s World Cup Final - Spain’s tournament so far

Sunday 20 August 2023 10:31 , Ben Fleming

With half an hour until kick-off, let’s have a look at both sides’ journeys to this point. Spain had a humbling defeat at the end of the group stage against Japan but have recovered superbly to reach their first World Cup final:

Spain’s road to the final:

Group stages

Spain 3-0 Costa Rica

Spain 5-0 Zambia

Spain 0-4 Japan

Round of 16

Spain 5-1 Switzerland

Quater-final

Spain 2-1 Netherlands

Semi-finals

Spain 2-1 Sweden

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website