England reach first World Cup final since 1966, leave trophyless

Posted : 20 August 2023

The Lionesses experienced a historic moment on Sunday, reaching their first World Cup final since 1966; however, they couldn't replicate the victory of that iconic team. Spain showcased exceptional play, outshining England for most of the match. Despite Mary Earps' heroic penalty save, England struggled to keep up, with Millie Bright acknowledging they were not at their best.

In Sydney, England's bid for World Cup glory ended with a 1-0 defeat against Spain in the final. This marked their first appearance in a World Cup final since 1966 and their maiden appearance in the women's final. Spain's skilled team posed a formidable challenge, dominating possession and continually testing England's defensive line.

Olga Carmona's decisive goal resulted from a brilliantly executed counter-pressing strategy. Spain regained possession in midfield as England pushed forward, swiftly switching play to exploit space on the right. A well-timed pass from Caldentey Oliver provided Carmona the opportunity to deliver a precise shot across Mary Earps into the bottom corner.

Mary Earps showcased her own heroism by denying Oliver's penalty during the second half, keeping England's hopes alive. Despite the setback, England captain Millie Bright admitted the loss would leave a lasting impact. She emphasized the team's resilience, especially after falling behind, and acknowledged that while they gave their all, they lacked the final edge needed to secure victory.

Bright's sentiments were echoed by former Lioness Alex Scott and ex-England keeper Karen Bardsley. Scott praised Bright's leadership and resilience, while Bardsley acknowledged the exceptional effort put forth by the Lionesses throughout the tournament. The team's momentum was evident in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, although Spain ultimately outplayed them in the final.

Former England skipper Faye White emphasized the narrow margin in the final. She described the later stages as scrappy and stop-start, with the team that scored first managing to hold on for victory. Notably, Lauren Hemp's near-miss before Carmona's goal showcased the fine margins of the game. White highlighted Spain's effective defense, which disrupted England's momentum even after Earps' penalty save.

Pundit and former England striker Ellen White echoed the sentiment of pride, acknowledging the Lionesses' impact on women's football and inspiring a generation. Despite the final result, the team's achievements were lauded, with an acknowledgment that England would undoubtedly return to future finals.

England reach first World Cup final since 1966, leave trophyless

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