Proud Sarina Wiegman reacts to England's World Cup final defeat to Spain

Sarina Wiegman spoke of her pride in the England Women’s team after the Lionesses reached their first World Cup final and offered her congratulations to champions Spain.

England Women reached a second major final in as many years under Wiegman but unlike last summer’s UEFA Women’s EURO, the Lionesses were unable to go on to lift the trophy this time around, as Olga Carmona’s first-half goal helped Spain claim a first World Cup crown.

Wiegman said: "I think everyone has seen an incredible game, a very open game, both teams who want to play football.

“It was two different halves for us. I think the first half we really struggled to have a press on the ball so we changed it in the second half back to 4-3-3 and I think we got momentum then. But then the tempo went out the game.

“I thought we had momentum but then we had the penalty and the injury with Alex.

“All in all, I think Spain were just a little bit better than we were today. They had a great tournament, so congrats to Spain.”

England have only lost two matches under Wiegman since she took charge in September 2021, a friendly against Australia in April and today’s World Cup final.

On the pitch, the Lionesses have lifted a first major trophy and reached a maiden World Cup final.

Off the pitch, they have inspired a generation of young girls to take up football, won countless new supporters and helped impact Government policy when it comes to inclusivity.

England reaching the World Cup final is particularly impressive when you consider they went into the tournament without three of their key players from last summer due to injury: Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby, plus saw centurions Jill Scott and Ellen White retire.

Wiegman said: "Of course, it feels really bad now. It's very disappointing. You go to the final and you want to give everything and win the final. Then you lose it, but that happens with sports too.

“What we have done, how we have shown ourselves, who we are and how we want to play as a team, overcoming so many challenges, I think we can be very proud of ourselves - even if it doesn't feel that way at the moment."