The pride of a nation in tears after World Cup heartbreak: Crying Lionesses are consoled on the pitch following agonising 1-0 defeat to Spain - as Prince William says they've 'inspired' a generation
- England are taking on Spain today in Sydney for the Women's World Cup Final
By TOM PYMAN
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
King Charles and Prince William led the tributes to the Lionesses today as England's first World Cup final since 1966 ended in tears.
Crying players were consoled on the pitch in Australia after suffering an agonising 1-0 defeat to Spain, having inspired millions of fans to tune in up and down the country.
The Lionesses, ultimately sunk by Olga Carmona's first half strike, were given a lifeline when Mary Earps - who won the Golden Glove award for the tournament's best goalkeeper - made a terrific penalty save.
But her teammates were unable to find the net themselves up the other end, bringing an unfortunate end to a terrific campaign that has raised the profile of women's football like no other.
The Prince of Wales, who is president of the FA, faced a backlash after his decision not to attend the historic match in Sydney.
Kensington Palace confirmed that William, alongside wife Kate and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis watched the final together at home in Sandringham, Norfolk.
In a personal message on X, formerly Twitter, the heir to the throne wrote: 'Although it's the result none of us wanted, @Lionesses you have done yourselves and this nation proud.
'Your spirit & drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come. Thank you for the footballing memories. Congratulations to Spain. W.'
Meanwhile, King Charles praised their 'skill, determination and team spirit' for reaching the last stage of the tournament and sent his 'heartfelt thoughts and commiserations on the result' - but appeared to miss the game himself.
Keira Walsh and Alex Greenwood console each other following England's World Cup final defeat to Spain
Dejected Alessia Russo and Keira Walsh of England at the end of the World Cup final against Spain
A heartbroken Lauren James is consoled following England's defeat to Spain in the World Cup final
England captain Millie Bright looks on with tears in her eyes following a painful World Cup defeat
Alessia Russo also appeared emotional as England tragically fell at the final hurdle
Mary Earps won the Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper, having saved a penalty during the match
The Lionesses smile through the pain as they pose with their runners-up medals following a painful World Cup final defeat
The monarch said the Lionesses' achievements would 'serve as an inspiration for generations to come - and, for that, your place in the history books is assured'.
But the King and Queen appeared to have missed watching the bulk of the game on television.
Charles and Camilla were pictured arriving at Crathie Kirk for a Sunday service while the England squad were being put through their paces in the tense clash in Sydney.
A Palace source had said on Saturday: 'Both Their Majesties will be following Sunday's events with the greatest interest.'
Charles, who is head of the Church of England, was driving the couple's car on Sunday, while Camilla was seen smiling in the front passenger seat.
It came as supporters nationwide poured into pubs, bars and dedicated fan zones for the historic match, backing the team until the very last kick.
But there were tears of anguish, rather than joy, at the final whistle as Spain were crowned world champions, leaving England wondering what could have been.
The European Champions had initially started well, and were inches away from opening the scoring themselves when Lauren Hemp's looping effort hit the crossbar.
But when Carmona drilled home just before the half-hour, the momentum swung Spain's way and they went on to dominate the rest of the game.
They had a golden chance to double their lead when they were awarded a penalty midway through the second half, given for a handball against Keira Walsh following a lengthy VAR review.
But Earps made a terrific save to deny Hermoso, before launching into a passionate celebration that sparked cheers from millions of fans watching back home.
England boss Sarina Wiegman alongside a dejected Lauren James and Jordan Nobbs
Spain players celebrate after winning the World Cup with a 1-0 win over England
Spain's players celebrate after beating England 1-0 in Australia to win the World Cup
England fans look devastated following the final whistle of the World Cup defeat to Spain
An England fan puts her head in her hands at the full time whistle of the World Cup final against Spain
England fans react after watching England lose 0-1 to Spain during the England Women's World Cup final
The Lionesses have been given a lifeline after goalkeeper Mary Earps saved a Spain penalty to keep them in their historic World Cup final
Mary Earps celebrates after saving a crucial penalty in the World Cup final against Spain
Jennifer Hermoso of Spain takes a penalty saved by Mary Earps of England in the World Cup final
Mary Earps of England saves a penalty taken by Jennifer Hermoso of Spain
The penalty was given for a handball against England's Keira Walsh following a lengthy VAR review
Wiegman turned to Lauren James, arguably England's star of the tournament who missed the last two games through suspension, and Euros hero Chloe Kelly in the second half, but they were unable to provide inspiration from the bench.
The match was briefly halted by a pitch invader wearing a 'Stop Putler' t-shirt, which compared Russian President Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler.
The man, who was also wearing a face mask, was quickly removed from the pitch by stewards.
Back home, millions were glued to their televisions, with many taking advantage of a last-minute relaxation of licensing laws to allow pubs to serve punters in time for the 11am kick off.
The game was tipped to give a £185 million boost to the UK economy.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak posted on X to say everyone was 'incredibly proud' of the team despite the loss.
He said: 'You left absolutely nothing out there Lionesses. It wasn't to be, but you've already secured your legacy as game changers. We are all incredibly proud of you.'
Former England striker Gary Lineker said Spain were the better team in the final but said the Lionesses 'gave their all'.
He tweeted: 'Gutted for the Lionesses who gave their all, but congratulations to Spain on winning the World Cup. They were the better team and thoroughly deserved their victory.'
Spain's Salma Paralluelo reacts after being shown a yellow card by referee Tori Penso as England's Alex Greenwood receives medical attention
Spain's Aitana Bonmati, right, challenges for the ball with England's Alex Greenwood
Mary Earps and Jess Carter roar with passion following the goalkeeper's crucial penalty save
England boss Sarina Wiegman has turned to the returning Lauren James to try and salvage their World Cup final as they start the second half a goal down against Spain
James (left), arguably the Lionesses' star of the tournament, has missed the last two matches following a red card against Nigeria, but was brought on at half-time along with Euros hero Chloe Kelly to try and turn the tide of the match
The England players watch on as Spain's Olga Carmona opens the scoring in the World Cup final
England players look dejected as Spain's Olga Carmona celebrates after opening the scoring
England's Lucy Bronze drops to her knees in frustration during the World Cup final with Spain
England's Jessica Carter and Mary Earps ask questions of each other after conceding the opening goal to Spain
Olga Carmona of Spain celebrates after scoring her team's first goal in the World Cup final against England
England's Mary Earps was helpless as Spain opened the scoring through Olga Carmona
The match was briefly halted in the first half by a pitch invader, wearing a 'Stop Putler' t-shirt, which compared Russian President Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler
England captain Millie Bright told ITV after the game: 'It's hard, but it's football. It can go either way. They're a fantastic team.
'First half wasn't our best, second half we had chances - we hit the bar. Congrats to them but this is the hard part of football.
'A lot of emotion (right now) but I'm really proud of the team. To come this far, to play in the World Cup final, not many get to do that.
'This is not it for us, we'll bounce back.'
Lauren Hemp was inches away from opening the scoring in the first 15 minutes when her looping effort came off the upright
Goalkeeper Mary Earps of England makes a save during the World Cup final against Spain
Salma Paralluelo of Spain is unable to control the ball during the World Cup final
England's Alessia Russo shields the ball from Spain's Olga Carmona during the World Cup final
At a fan zone in Victoria Park, east London, England supporters were stunned into silence by the goal.
A single Spanish fan jumped to his feet and danced in front of the hundreds of England fans, before Lionesses supporters began to rally and encourage their team again.
Before kick-off, a stirring rendition of the national anthem was belted out by the players and supporters watching on both Down Under and back in Britain.
Boss Sarina Wiegman named an unchanged XI from the team that beat Australia 3-1 in the semi-final, with Lauren James back among the substitutes following her suspension.
The match - watched from the stands by Queen Letizia of Spain but controversially not Rishi Sunak or FA President Prince William - began in feisty fashion with strong challenges going in on both sides.
The build-up to the game was overshadowed somewhat by a sexism row, particularly over the absence of the Prime Minister and the Prince of Wales, who many claimed would have been in the stands were it the men's team competing in the final.
Kensington Palace said this afternoon that the Prince and Princess of Wales and Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are all watching the match together at home in Sandringham, Norfolk.
Confirmation from ministers that there would be no bank holiday should the Lionesses triumph, as well as the lack of preparation in getting venues ready for the early start, further added fuel to the fire.
Prior to kick off, there appeared to be little sign of nerves as the players, all dressed in light blue tracksuits, bounced into the 83,500-seater Stadium Australia, some even dancing their way into the changing rooms.
They were then seen checking the conditions on the playing surface and enjoying a joke with their Spanish opponents.
Spain's forward Mariona Caldentey fights for the ball with England's midfielder Keira Walsh
Teresa Abelleira (L) and England's midfielder Ella Toone fight for the ball during the World Cup final
Catalina Coll makes a save for Spain during the World Cup final against England in Australia
Salma Paralluelo of Spain and Alex Greenwood of England compete for the ball
England's Ella Toone kicks off the World Cup final in the Lionesses' historic clash with Spain
A stirring rendition of the national anthem was belted out by the players and supporters watching on both Down Under and back in Britain
The England team line up ahead of their historic World Cup final against Spain in Sydney
England line up for the national anthem prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup final
Queen Letizia of Spain applauds as she attends the Women's World Cup soccer final between Spain and England
England's Alessia Russo, centre, challenges for the ball during the final of Women's World Cup soccer between Spain and England
Supporters young and old had earlier gathered outside the Intercontinental hotel in Sydney to catch a glimpse of their heroes, and cheered as they stepped out to board a maroon-coloured bus, branded with 'The Final' in gold lettering.
The bus was given a police escort for its journey through the city, arriving at the stadium - where Jonny Wilkinson inspired the England rugby team to World Cup victory in 2003 - at around 9.30am.
Earlier, the Lionesses were seen enjoying a walkabout together in the Sydney sunshine.
Stars including Alessia Russo, Ella Toone and Lauren James - back amongst the squad following her suspension for a red card against Nigeria - looked relaxed as they strolled around the city.
The players were pictured holding bottles of water and squash to stay hydrated in the hot weather.
The Lionesses' opponents, La Roja, were also on a walkabout earlier in the day, and were seen posing with Spanish fans as they made their own final preparations ahead of the game.
Before the game, a Government minister said that the Prime Minister will be 'glued to the television'.
England fans ahead of a screening of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 final between Spain and England at BOXPARK Croydon
Millions of fans are tuning in across the country, including a crowd at Croydon's Boxpark
Players stand for the national anthems ahead of the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup final football match
Football fans at Victoria Park ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup final between England and Spain
England fans raise their arms in the air at Boxpark in Croydon during the World Cup final against Spain
England's Esme Morgan warms up ahead of the World Cup final against Spain in Sydney
England and Spain players take the field ahead of the World Cup final in Australia
England fans wait for kick-off at a screening of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 final between England and Spain at North Walsham Town FC's clubhouse in Norfolk
Lauren James of England warms up prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England
Rachel Daly of England warms up prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England
Let the party begin! Hundreds of fans have packed into fan zones across the UK to watch the Women's World Cup final. Pictured are supporters at the Boxpark Croydon on Sunday
'Come on England!' - these young football fans in Sydney were showing their patriotism, sporting England face paint and the English flag as they hope to watch the Lionesses against Spain
And in Croydon, England fans are sinking the pints - with these two supporters opting to buy in bulk as they watch the match from the Boxpark fan zone
Asked on Times Radio whether Mr Sunak should have travelled to Sydney, Australia, to watch England take on Spain, schools minister Nick Gibb said: 'The Foreign Secretary has gone, the Culture Secretary has gone.
'I'm sure he will be glued to the television, as we all are.
'This is a very exciting time for our country and we are all rooting for the Lionesses to win the World Cup, although we shouldn't jinx it by saying too much.
'But we all are very excited. And it is exciting for young people as well.
'The Euros had a galvanising effect I think on sport in schools in this country.'
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said a bank holiday in the event of England winning the World Cup is not being considered.
Speaking in Sydney this morning, she said: 'We will definitely be celebrating the victory of the Lionesses, whether they win in the final or not, they've done a tremendous, tremendous amount of work to get to this stage, and we will be marking it definitely in some way.
'A bank holiday isn't something that we're considering at the moment.'
England's Lionesses were all smiles as they arrived at Stadium Australia this morning to inspect the pitch ahead of their historic World Cup final
The players smiled and waved to fans as they inspected the pitch at Stadium Australia this morning
England's Alessia Russo and Spain's Ona Battle enjoy a joke ahead of the World Cup final
Lauren James and Jordan Nobbs look relaxed as they inspect the pitch at Stadium Australia
Chloe Kelly of England looks focused as she inspects the pitch before the World Cup final
England's Lucy Bronze was all smiles after arriving at the stadium ahead of kick off at 11am
Ella Toone of England walks out for the pitch inspection prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup final
England boss Sarina Wiegman leads her team out of the Intercontinental hotel in Sydney ahead of this morning's World Cup final
England defender Jess Carter clutches a hot drink as she boards the team bus this morning
England forward Rachel Daly looks focused as she steps out of the team hotel ahead of the game
The players were seen stepping out of the Intercontinental in Sydney in their light blue tracksuits ahead of this morning's clash with Spain - England's first World Cup final since 1966
Supporters young and old gathered outside the hotel and cheered as their heroes boarded a maroon-coloured bus, branded with 'The Final' in gold lettering, to take them to Stadium Australia
She also added that the Prince of Wales is 'disappointed' not to attend the Women's World Cup final, as she defended William and the Prime Minister from criticism that they have not travelled.
She said: 'I'm in Australia representing the Government. The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, is also here. I know that the Prime Minister feels very passionately about the women's game.
'Only about a month or so ago he and I were at 10 Downing Street with the Lionesses, and I know he sent a message to the Lionesses wishing them congratulations and luck today.'
READ MORE: Geri Horner, Emma Bunton and Jess Glynn lead the stars wishing England's Lionesses good luck
Asked if she understands the disappointment of people who suggest both William and Rishi Sunak would be attending if it were the men's team in the same position, Ms Frazer added: 'I think the royal family do a tremendous amount for the country in so many spheres, including in sport. Prince William is, of course, the president of the FA and is a tremendous supporter of the sport.
'I know that he's disappointed that he isn't able to be here today but he has sent a message of good luck to the Lionesses.
'I'm sure that on their return, win or lose, he will be congratulating them on how they've done in this competition.'
England and Arsenal footballer Beth Mead, who missed out on a spot in the Lionesses squad due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, told the BBC this morning she is 'not surprised' they are in the World Cup final.
Mead told BBC Breakfast: 'I've been super-proud of them and what they have achieved so far.
'Obviously they weren't all guns firing in the group stages, but now they have grown into the tournament, a great semi-final against Australia and hopefully they peak today.
'I'm not surprised where they are, I know the quality we have in the squad and the direction that Sarina (Wiegman) is putting us in.'
When asked how the Lionesses will be preparing in the last few hours before the final, Mead added: 'I think the process won't have changed throughout the tournament. From game one to now, nothing will have changed.
'People who know the players, friends and family, will always message the day before to try not to bombard them on game day. Generally we wouldn't look on social media to try and get too overexcited or anything in that sense.
'I know the girls will be fully focused, they will have done their preparation and they will have done their work on Spain.
'They will know all about them and knowing Sarina, she will have a plan A, B, C and D. Now they just have to go out there and enjoy it.'
Lauren James - who was sent off in the last game - gets set to make a return for today's final
Ella Toone, who played a huge role in England's semi final triumph, will be looking to repeat the feat against Spain later today
Alessia Russo (middle), who scored in the semi final, will be looking to do so again against Spain today
England take their final walkabout in Sydney - before the World Cup final
Sarina Wiegman has urged England to play the game of their lives today - to take their team to an historic first World Cup and sporting immortality
Meanwhile, it emerged today that girls' football has become so popular at Lioness Ella Toone's old club that they 'can't form teams fast enough'.
Lorraine Warwick-Ellis, from Astley and Tyldesley Community Football Club where Toone used to play, told the BBC: '(Women's football) weren't televised for a long time, which was a shame. Now we are on TV, we're visual and the girls can see it, they can be it.
'It's great to see all these young girls now who are coming down. It's like we cannot form teams fast enough for them. It's superb.'
Toone's former PE teacher Chris Nuttall said she was a 'dream' pupil because she got other students involved.
The PE teacher at Fred Longworth High School in Tyldesley told the BBC: 'The good thing for us is Ella still comes back to school. She's very supportive. And I think with the girls seeing Ella around the school as well when she comes in, it's been a massive for them.
'We have girls' teams now in every year group. A lot of girls are very interested and we were just chatting then about how many of the students are coming through wanting to be part of the girls' team, and that is massively down to Ella and her achievements.'
Meanwhile, England fans are already out in force around the UK and Australia this morning, getting set to cheer on the team as they bid for glory.
The Lionesses held a training session yesterday ahead of what could prove to be the biggest game of their lives against Spain.
Yesterday, Sarina Wiegman put the squad through their paces as the players had the opportunity to impress the manager and find a place among the 11 destined to line out today.
England enter the match as favourites to win a first Fifa World Cup since Alf Ramsey's men beat West Germany at Wembley Stadium in 1966.
This is the first time the English senior women's team has reached a World Cup final, although many of the squad were part of the UEFA European Women's Championship winning team in Wembley Stadium in July 2022.
Lauren Hemp (right) leads the Lionesses on a walkabout in Sydney ahead of the World Cup final
Hopes are high among the England team as they prepare to take on Spain later this morning
Ella Toone and Alessia Russo look focused as they stroll around Sydney ahead of today's final
Lioness Alessia Russo has said she cannot wait to kick off England's World Cup final after years spent rehearsing the winning strike in her childhood garden.
Maidstone-born Russo grew up watching her brothers play for the local boys' side in East Farleigh, where she was too young to join in but would kick a ball around on the side of the pitch.
Soon, however, the now 24-year-old was featuring for both the girls' and boys' teams at Bearsted FC, which meant both weekend days were often occupied with football, while Russo's preferred school-night activity remained playing on a strip of grass at the end of her street.
It would also not be wholly inaccurate to say Russo has already lifted a World Cup.
In primary school, the summer Arsenal signing played in an inter-school 'Mini World Cup' and walked away with a shock victory – while representing her side's assigned country of South Korea.
Then there were the garden tournaments where, said Russo, 'we had to score to stay in'.
She added: 'As a kid, growing up to think we're playing in a World Cup in a couple of days is a special feeling. A real 'pinch me' moment.'
However, while preparations on the field have been going well, in England there has been controversy as Prince William, who is president of the Football Association, will not be travelling to Sydney this weekend.
The Lionesses knocked out co-hosts Australia 3-1 in the last four, while Spain booked their spot in the showpiece by edging out Sweden 2-1.
Both teams are playing in their first final, with England having lost back-to-back semis in 2015 and 2019 and Spain having only won one World Cup match before this year.
The Lionesses are unbeaten in the tournament having topped Group D, while Spain were runners-up in Group C following a 4-0 loss to Japan.
Spain are only the second team in World Cup history to reach the final having lost a game by four or more goals, after Norway bounced back from an opening 4-0 defeat against China to finish as runners-up in 1991.
Ella Toone played a big part in the semi-final win over Australia and is likely to be a key player again today
Lauren James is back amongst the squad today having been suspended following her red card against Nigeria
England's Katie Zelem looks relaxed as she strolls around Sunday ahead of this morning's final
Striker Alessia Russo was seen carrying a drink as she soaked up the Sydney sun ahead of the final
Bethany England and Jess Carter look relaxed on the Lionesses' walkabout in Sydney
Rachel Daly and captain Millie Bright look focused ahead of this morning's historic match against Spain
Alessia Russo (right) checks her phone as she walks around Sydney ahead of the World Cup final
Regardless of the result, Europe is guaranteed to end its 16-year World Cup drought, with Germany most recently winning in 2007, while it is 20 years since the last final to feature two European nations (Germany v Sweden in 2003).
As reigning continental champions, England are seeking to emulate the aforementioned German side by completing a historic double, having already matched Sarina Wiegman's 2019 Netherlands team by reaching the final as Euros winners.
Netherlands' defeat against the United States in the 2019 final remains Wiegman's solitary loss across 25 matches at major international tournaments.
That remarkable record has been built on consistency in selection.
Having started with the same 11 in every match of Euro 2022, England have used just 17 players at the World Cup so far, the joint-fewest of any team to reach the knockout stages.
Spain - in contrast - have called on all but one of their 23-strong squad, with only third-choice goalkeeper Enith Salon yet to feature.
Wiegman has also barely used her bench compared to Jorge Vilda - her Spanish counterpart - with England having made 17 substitutions to Spain's 29.
Statistically, Spain have outperformed England in most departments at this year's World Cup.
They have scored 17 goals to the Lionesses' 13, having attempted considerably more shots (143 to 81), passes (4,137 to 3,605), crosses (214 to 129) and ball progressions (181 to 99) than their final opponents.
Wiegman's side have only occasionally found the form that carried them to the Euro 2022 title - when they scored 22 goals in six matches - and have instead relied on their defensive resilience to progress.
England have conceded only three times from 64 efforts on Mary Earps' goal, while Spain have proved more susceptible having shipped seven goals from just 36 shots faced.
Both teams will be braced for a tight battle following their most recent meeting in the Euro 2022 quarter-finals.
The Lionesses emerged as 2-1 victors on that occasion, but only after a late fightback.
Esther Gonzalez fired Spain into a deserved lead before Ella Toone equalised in the 84th minute and Georgia Stanway scored an extra-time winner.
Spain dominated for large periods, ending with 56 per cent of possession and firing 17 shots to the Lionesses' nine.
It remains the only tournament match under Wiegman in which England saw their opponents enjoy the majority of the ball.
