Bedford 'really proud' of Young Lionesses

England women’s under-20s head coach Lydia Bedford spoke of her pride in the team after exiting the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

The Young Lionesses were beaten 3-0 by Nigeria in the Round of 16 as the England boss reflected on the result.

“We're obviously incredibly disappointed to lose,” said Bedford. “We felt we had a really good chance going into the game, and the players have been really building towards this moment.

“To concede really early in the game, you're looking for a response, and I think everybody watching that game will know how much our players gave in the first half to try and create, time after time, more opportunities to get that equaliser. So really proud of that.

“You can never 100% know going into a game what the outcome's going to be, and all you can do as a player is give everything you can, and they 100% did that today. I don't think any player can say they've got any regrets about what they gave on the pitch.”

“I think obviously we wanted to progress on this and we worked so hard to get here, but I think really proud of the girls – we left it out on the field – but obviously so disappointed,” agreed midfielder Lola Brown.

“I think we did really well in the group, and I think it's always hard to wear the badge, playing for England, it's a dream. So always still proud, but obviously disappointed today.”

Bedford also assessed the performance and England’s journey through the group stage which saw them advance to the knockouts.

“Obviously fine margins in these moments, and I think we got punished a few times today by those moments, and didn't manage to capitalise on the chances we created ourselves,” continued Bedford.

“But overall, just a real feeling of pride for leading this group, and what they've come out and done.

“They fought every second of that second half, and we did everything we could to try and change things, but ultimately, respect to Nigeria, they went out and executed their game plan, and they came out with points.

“For all of these players, they'll really be hurting right now, and I think the bigger picture is they're going back into their clubs, they've got an under-23 season, or maybe an opportunity to go up to the seniors in their future, and it's about learning from these moments and making sure they're in a better position.”