Englandâs hopes of World Cup glory have been left shattered by Spain.
Sarina Wiegmanâs side gave their all in Sydney but were beaten by Olga Carmonaâs goal in the final, to end their dreams of adding the world title to their European Championship crown. After seeing off co-hosts Australia in the semi-final, the Lionesses were full of confidence and started well, with Lauren Hemp smashing the crossbar.
But Spain took charge and dominated possession, with captain Carmona ruthlessly finding the bottom corner after a fine counter attack in the first half. Mary Earps could do nothing about that but the England âkeeper made a stunning penalty save in the second half to keep the Lionesses in the game.
However, Spain ultimately proved a step too far for England and are crowned world champions for the first time.
Keep up with all the latest post-match reaction right here
Fan fury after just four of Euro 22 winning Lioness squad given New Year honours
Thanks for joining us not just today, but across the entire tournament.
This year's Women's World Cup is something to be extremely proud of and the women who played their hearts out for their nations have inspired so many girls and boys back home and across the world.
We're so proud of our Lionesses. Nothing will ever change that.
So, what more does Mary Earps need to do to get a shirt sold in the shops?
Win the FIFA best award? European Champion? Reach a World Cup final and save a penalty. Win the 2023 Women’s World Cup golden glove? Oh, wait…
Read what else our writer Louise Wilkes has to say.
Mary Earps with the Golden Glove Award for the 2023 Women's World CupFootball Association chief executive Mark Bullingham expressed his pride after second-placed England secured a best-ever Women’s World Cup finish, saying: “Tonight didn’t go our way, but to reach our first World Cup Final since 1966, and our first ever away from home is a huge achievement.
“Everyone is hurting this evening, but we are so proud of the Lionesses, Sarina and the whole support team. We thank them all for everything they have delivered in these very special few weeks.
“We send our congratulations to Spain and we would also like to thank England fans here in Sydney, at home, and all over the world for their fantastic support.
“Australia and New Zealand have hosted a wonderful World Cup which will live long in the memory and has showcased everything which is special about the women’s game.”
Hayes sends parting message as Beth England completes record WSL transfer
FA CEO Mark Bullingham has been speaking about the OneLove armband (Getty Images )Manchester City forward Jess Park was cheering on the Lionesses at a McDonald's screening in London
Jess Park (R) watches the Lionnesses at a screening of the England vs. Spain (Kate Green/Getty Images for McDonalds)Lucy Bronze was left devastated after the 1-0 defeat.
But could it be her last World Cup? I think she'd love to snap up the opportunity to play in a fourth Women's World Cup, but she has previously said it depends if her knee holds up.
Lucy Bronze is consoled by Ona Batlle of Spain after the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia on August 20The 2023 Women’s World Cup has captured the imagination of a new generation of fans, despite a heartbreaking defeat for the Lionesses.
England experienced devastation as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against a stronger Spanish side after making it to their first ever Women's World Cup final.
But when is the next Women's World Cup?
"I thought this penalty was way too light. But I’m not the referee, so I don’t decide that. It was nice that Mary saved it."
"Spain are so good in their possession game. They always have players around the ball. Even when we had a high press on them we were a little expansive.
"The positioning of their midfield gave us some challenges. They have the best possession game, we knew that ahead of the tournament but they have got even better. To be honest I feel they deserve their win, but we were very close."
FIFA Fair Play Award presented by McDonald’s: Japan
FIFA Best Young Player Award: Salma Paralluelo (ESP)
adidas Golden Glove Award: Mary Earps (ENG)
adidas Golden Boot Award: Hinata Miyazawa (JPN) – 5 goals, 1 assist
adidas Silver Boot Award: Kadidatou Diani (FRA) – 4 goals, 1 assist
adidas Bronze Boot Award: Alexandra Popp (GER) – 4 goals
adidas Golden Ball Award: Aitana Bonmati (ESP)
adidas Silver Ball Award: Jennifer Hermoso (ESP)
adidas Bronze Ball Award: Amanda Ilestedt (SWE)
"We’ve grown into the tournament. We've adapted to situations and gave everything in this tournament and in this game. I basically told them we can still be proud of them."
“I think we played better at the second half. We changed shape, got momentum and were more in their half. When Mary saved the penalty I thought now we’re going to get a goal and get the 1-1."
Sarina is here.
A gutted Gary Lineker has issued a blunt assessment of the Lionesses 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Women's World Cup.
You can read all about the former England striker's take below.
You can catch up with Jack's report of the finale below.
Struggling as to what to make of all of that? Well, we've got just what the doctor ordered.
Check out Jack Lacey-Hatton's Five Talking Points from the World Cup final that was.
Those were Bonmati's words when asked to reflect on her emotions. A poet on the pitch and off it.
Bright added to the BBC: “There was a lot of belief (after half-time). We’ve been 1-0 down before and we bounced back. We never give in.
“We’re absolutely heartbroken. We can say hand on heart we gave everything.
“Sometimes football goes for you, sometimes it goes against you.”
“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.”
It's a tough one, but the support is immense as England flags and shirts are waved in support. Lucy Bronze has her face in her jacket. She's still crying. We're not sure she's stopped.
The last year for the midfielder has seen her win:
woah.
Aitana Bonmati of Spain is awarded the FIFA Golden Ball Award (Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)Aitana Bonmati only failed to complete two passes in the World Cup final.
Oh, our hearts. That was too much.
and the fireworks go off! It's Spain, Champions of the World! From total disarray, disfunction and a decimation of team unity to unfettered elation. Spain are World Champions.
The elation and jubiliance is clear to see. Very few predicted they'd be in this position when the Women's World Cup stormed into view at the start of the summer. But here they are, each bestowing the World Cup trophy with a kiss as they walk past it.
The Lionesses applaud the fans and pose with their medals. The smiles are forced are they snap their photo, but a smile is a difficult thing at a time like this.
No players have removed their medal. Which we think is quite classy, though you might have your own opinion. We're also limited to the TV angle, so we could be wrong.
Oh, the tears. Millie Bright leads out the Lionesses as they claim their runners-up medals.
Plenty of handshakes and smiles all around as a piano version of Glorious by Macklemore is blared in the background.
There’s heartbreak in Manchester as England lose in the World Cup final. Many groups look somber as they remain seated at their tables, listening to the commentary unfold. Some have their head in their hands.
Following the final whistle to confirm England had been defeated, Reece Burley, 32, says the Lionesses should still be proud of what they’ve achieved, despite their performance.
“I think they had a lot of heart. Second half I think we panicked. I don’t think we deserved to win, we had our chances.
“Overall seeing the little girls here and seeing the passion… I think 10 years ago we would never had this. It’s brought the country together and we’ve built a bigger legacy in the Women’s World Cup.
"I’m a football nerd but I’m here with my friends and we all know their names now. I was telling my friends who they are. That’s the biggest focal point. They will have a much bigger value in the game, historically it’s all been about the US and women’s soccer. The Lionesses should be proud. In four years time I’m sure we’ll be in the final again.
"It’s fantastic to see young girls today think ‘in 10 years I can be there.’”
Reece Burley, 32, says the Lionesses should still be proud of what theyâve achieved, despite their performance. 
