Spain beats England 1-0 in Women's World Cup final

England's manager Sarina Wiegman praises the team after they lost out to Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, ITV News' Steve Scott has the latest

The Lionesses fell short of World Cup glory as they slumped to a spirited 1-0 defeat against Spain.

Olga Carmona’s first-half strike was enough to see off Sarina Wiegman’s team with England unable to make a breakthrough in Sydney on Sunday.

A superb penalty save from Mary Earps gave England fans something to cheer about midway through the second half, but the Lionesses were unable to capitalise.

Earps was later awarded with the Adidas Golden Glove (best goalkeeper) while Spain's Aitana Bonmatí won the FIFA Golden Ball (best player).

Heartbroken fans react as England lose to Spain in World Cup Final
England's goalkeeper Mary Earps won the Adidas Golden Glove. Credit: AP

Speaking after the game Wiegman praised her team and told ITV she has "no regrets".

“Most of all I feel disappointment, because when you play a final you want to win it. So that is mainly how I feel. Spain played a little better than we did," she said.

“We gave everything. The opponent was very strong. We changed it at half-time and then we got momentum and I thought now we would get back in the game.

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Sarina Wiegman praised her team and told ITV she had 'no regrets'. Credit: PA

“The momentum went out of the game with the penalty, which took forever, and the injury of Alex (Greenwood). That was at a stage when I thought they were struggling with us. At the end when we tried to force it we did not execute very well.

“No regrets. We gave it everything we could. We tried different tactics. You have to give credit to Spain. Over the tournament they played the best football, so congratulations to Spain.

“Absolutely (we feel pride), it does not feel that way now. But when you see how many challenges we have had before the tournament and in the tournament, how we picked up and took every challenge. No regrets.”

Spain's team celebrate with the trophy after the final of Women's World Cup. Credit: AP

England captain Millie Bright told ITV: “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.”

During the tense match, play was briefly stopped after England's Alex Greenwood suffered an injury to the head.

England's Alex Greenwood (centre left) following an injury during the World Cup final. Credit: AP

It followed a clash with Salma Paralluelo, who received a yellow card for what was an accidental knee into her opponent's face.

After medical checks Greenwood was able to return to the game with a white bandage around her head.

Both sides were playing their first ever women's final, with England having lost back-to-back semis in 2015 and 2019, and Spain having won just one World Cup match before this year.

England's Lionesses photographed before their first World Cup final. Credit: AP

At one point during the match play was momentarily paused as a protester entered the pitch.

A commentator could be heard saying someone got a "nice tackle" on the invader, but it was not shown on TV.

The protester was wearing a T-shirt with the words "Stop Putler" on it and was pictured being escorted away by security.

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A pitch invader is removed by security during the FIFA Women's World Cup final match at Stadium Australia. Credit: PA

Supporters had flocked to pubs and bars across the UK for the 11am BST kick-off, with the game tipped to give a £185 million boost to the UK economy.

The final whistle was met by muted applause, with Rio Ferdinand, Maya Jama and Idris Elba among the crestfallen fans clapping the Lionesses after they lost the final.

The final sparked criticism for the Prince of Wales who elected not to attend the game in person.

A clapping Idris Elba at a screening of the game at the Olympic Park in east London. Credit: PA

Instead William, alongside the Princess of Wales and Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis watched the final together at home in Sandringham, Norfolk, Kensington Palace said.

After the game, the prince tweeted a personal message to the England team, saying: “Although it’s the result none of us wanted, Lionesses you have done yourselves and this nation proud.

“Your spirit and drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come.

“Thank you for the footballing memories. Congratulations to Spain.”

After the match Prime Minister Rishi Sunak posted on X, formerly Twitter, 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.”

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