LIONESSES PLAYER RATINGS: Mary Earps’ heroics kept England in the game, but Lucy Bronze’s uncharacteristically poor display and a lacklustre midfield saw them fall to 1-0 World Cup final defeat against Spain

England’s World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak as they lost 1–0 to Spain in Sydney.

Olga Carmona’s finish in the first half, low in the bottom corner, would mean the difference between the two teams.

When Mary Earps saved Jennifer Hermoso’s penalty in the 69th minute, the Lionesses got new inspiration as they fought to the end.

Spain defended well, however, and England lacked the sharpness when it mattered – and some luck too, with a late free-kick from Lauren James being waved off.

Here are Mail Sport’s player ratings for the England v Spain match, as the heroic lionesses couldn’t quite cross the line.

England (3-4-1-2)

Mary Earps – 9

Penalty save kept the final alive. Strong parry from Redondo in the first half and even better save from Caldentey in the second. Powerless to stop the target. Fabulous again.

Jess Carter – 6

Seen tough drive through Caldentey and Paralluelo in the first half. Didn’t come across to stop Paralluelo scoring the first goal, but great rebounding tackle towards the end.

Millie Bright – 6

Anchored defense as always but struggled against the Spaniards in time and pace and there was a curious lack of the long diagonals, which seemed like an obvious way to handle the press.

Alex Greenwood-6

Solid performance from one of the England players of the tournament, but the defending unit was often second.

Lucy Bronze – 4

Wrestled in a final she got away from her. Concession of possession led to the breakaway and the first goal. Cut a frustrated figure.

Keira Walsh – 5.5

Worked tirelessly but was constantly overrun due to the lack of support around her. Too often expropriated by Hermoso. Foul conceding a penalty that nearly ended the evening.

Georgia Stanway – 5

Didn’t leave a real impression on this final. Left Walsh with all the defensive work in midfield and couldn’t find room to threaten.

Rachel Daly – 5.5 (Kelly, 45)

Had vision to mount Hemp’s attack against the crossbar, but England looked terribly vulnerable at their side.

Ella Toone – 5 (England, 87)

Can’t get into the game as England didn’t make an impact. Surprisingly Russo, instead of Toone, was substituted at half time.

Alessia Russo – 5.5 (James 45)

Isolated as England struggled to make any impression in the first half. Outrun as she tried to cut off the counterattack in front of the goal. Didn’t impress this final.

Lauren hemp – 7

Sole outlet in the first with strong running in the last third and curved shot against the crossbar. England’s player of the tournament, but this was one game too far.

Substitutes

Chloe Kelly-7

Made a difference with her running around England in the second half. Fine cross almost put hemp in it.

Lauren James – 6.5

Hints of the world class player she will become, but frustrating that England couldn’t get her on the ball again. Sharp near post shot tested Coll Lluch.

Beth England – 6

Brought energy into the last roll of the dice, but couldn’t get the breakthrough.

Sarina Wiegman-6

For once could not find the master plan. Her strategy in the first half to press Spain high on the flanks did not work. Tactical change in the second half worked better.

Spain (4-3-3)

Coll Lluch 7; Battle 6, Paredes 6, Codina 5.5 (Andres 73 6), Carmona 6.5; Bonmati 8, Abelleira, Hermoso 8.5; Redondo 7 (Hernandez 60 6), Paralluelo 8, Caldentey Oliver 6.5 (Putellas 90)

Referee: Tori Penso (USA) 7. Play allowed. The penalty kick was marginal but justified.