England were beaten at the last hurdle as Olga Carmona’s superb strike was enough for Spain to win 1-0 and lift the Women’s World Cup trophy for the first time.
The Lionesses were unable to replicate their Euros success from last summer as they were masters of their own downfall after a tepid first half.
Spain dominated not only the possession, but the overall play as England were guilty of making poor errors and it was a Lucy Bronze giveaway in midfield that eventually allowed Carmona to rifle home a superb effort in the 29th minute.
Sarina Wiegman – featuring in her fourth successive major tournament final – made a bold statement at half-time, bringing Lauren James and Chloe Kelly on for Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly, switching back to a 4-3-3 formation.
The Lionesses were vastly improved, but as has been the case for most of the World Cup, Mary Earps’ heroics kept England in the game. She expertly saved a Jennifer Hermoso penalty, which was taken after a six-minute VAR check for a Keira Walsh handball.
