Sarina Wiegman says that England can be proud of their achievements at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 despite their 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final.
The Lionesses ended the tournament as runners-up for the first time in their history. Olga Carmona’s first half goal for Spain denied England the opportunity of winning a first world title.
When speaking to the media after England’s final defeat in Sydney, head coach Wiegman said that the team can be proud of their achievements once they have got over the initial feeling of disappointment.
“Of course, it is very disappointing,” Wiegman said. “Everyone was very disappointed that we didn’t win the game but on the other hand, we can be very proud of ourselves, although it doesn’t feel like that at this moment. It’ll take a bit of time for it to sink in because at the moment, it is a feeling of disappointment.
“We can be proud of everything that we have done; how we have grown into the tournament, how we have adapted to the challenges both before and during the tournament. We have given everything that we could in this tournament and in this game.”
Spain dominated the tie against England, offering the Lionesses little time with the ball. Wiegman went on to say that she had no complaints with the final outcome.
She said “They were clearly the team with the best possession game, we knew that before the tournament but they’ve been even better.
“They’ve had a very good tournament and to be really honest, they deserved this win.”
The England players will now return to their clubs before Wiegman announces her next squad for the opening UEFA Women’s Nations League fixtures next month.
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