England have finished as FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 runners-up after suffering a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sydney.
Olga Carmona netted the game’s only goal in the first half after England defender Lucy Bronze had given away possession in the middle of the pitch.
England started brightly and they hit the bar after 16 minutes through a curling Lauren Hemp strike from the edge of the box.
Spain responded and they really should have broken the deadlock themselves moments later but Alba Redondo fired her effort at England keeper Mary Earps who was able to make the save.
Jorge Vilda’s side took the lead just before the half-hour mark. England defender Bronze gifted possession to Spain and they went on the attack. Full-back Carmona drilled her effort across goal and into the far corner of the net.
Spain should have extended their lead before the break but Irene Paredes fired wide when in a great position to score before Salma Paralluelo saw a shot stump the base of the post.
England keeper Earps was called into action early in the second half. Mariona Caldentay’s shot was heading in but Earps was able to turn the ball around the post. Aitana Bonmatí then drilled a vicious effort narrowly over the bar.
Spain were awarded a fortunate penalty kick just after the hour. After the match referee had consulted VAR, she determined that Keira Walsh had committed a hand ball in the box. Jennifer Hermoso stepped up to take the spot kick but Earps made herself big and pulled off the save.
With 15 minutes to go, England created a half-chance through half-time substitute Lauren James. She took on a shot from a tight angle but Spanish keeper Cata Coll pulled off an important save.
In second half injury time, Ona Batlle had a chance to make it 2-0 to Spain but her effort was expertly blocked by Earps. England pushed for an equaliser in the dying minutes but they were unable to test Coll in the Spanish goal.
England end the tournament with the Silver Medal, their greatest achievement so far at a FIFA Women’s World Cup.