The England Lioness were unable to replicate their Euros success last summer, falling to Spain’s La Roja (The Red One) 1-0 in the Women’s World Cup final staged in Sydney Australia.

Olga Carmona’s superb 29th-minute strike proved to be the winner as Spain dominated the ball possession and overall play.

A Lucy Bronze mistake in the midfield handed La Roja the opportunity for Carmona to rifle home a superb shot on target.

At the beginning of the second half England’s coach, Sarina Wiegman substituted striker Alessia Russo for Lauren James. 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.

Both teams pressed for another goal but, ultimately, Spain took advantage of their big moment while for England it was a step too far.

As Spain’s players celebrated by forming a joyful heap of red on the Stadium Australia pitch, many of England’s players were in tears as hopes of becoming the country’s first senior soccer world champion since 1966 were ended by a brilliant Spain.

England’s World Cup title wait presses on as Spain boasts of World Cup titles for both the Men’s and women’s teams

Spain has made history to become the first team in Women’s football history to be reigning World Cup champions at the Under-17, Under-20 and Senior levels.