Unhappiness in Sydney for England as Spain turns disharmony into delirium

This is not the way it was meant to finish for England.

Hope turned to heartbreak.

There was to be no addition to the trophy cupboard for the European champions a 12 months on from Wembley glory. Just disappointment in Sydney.

Spain is the brand new title etched on the trophy. At solely their third ladies’s World Cup, they’re champions.

They’ve turned disharmony into delirium – a marketing campaign that regarded prefer it was going to be derailed by 15 gamers quitting worldwide obligation final September has ended with the largest prize of all of them.

Only three of the insurgent group determined to return to the squad following protests towards their remedy by the Spanish Federation.

It is a reminder this World Cup has been surrounded by considerations concerning the standing of gamers inside nationwide soccer associations.

Even the Lionesses head dwelling from this match not solely with out the trophy, however into talks with the Football Association concerning the bonuses they consider they’re owed.

They will see this as a missed alternative as nicely to beat the world for the primary time, as all the previous champions had been toppled earlier than the semi-finals.

The Lionesses had been the favourites, however finally Spain had been supreme within the ultimate.

Sarina Wiegman‘s facet was reliant on Mary Earps producing a number of large saves, together with a penalty within the second half that might have seen Spain double their lead.

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Even taking that slender 1-0 deficit into the ultimate 20 minutes, England could not discover a approach to purpose.

Now they’re going to regroup.

Many of those gamers shall be making an attempt to qualify by means of the Nations League for the Paris Olympics, the place they’re going to compete as a part of a British group subsequent 12 months.

Then there’s the defence of their Euros title in 2025 earlier than they will set their sights on making an attempt to lastly win the World Cup in 2027.