England 0-1 Spain - latest: World Cup dream ends in agony - but Prince and PM 'proud' as Lionesses hailed as 'heroes' (2024)

That's all our live coverage of the Women's World Cup final - thank you for following along.

We hope you aren't all too gutted by today's result, which saw Spain lift the trophy after beating England 1-0.

While it's not coming home this year, it's clear the country has a team to be proud of - thank you Lionesses.

To read about the match as it happened and all the latest reaction, scroll down below.

See you again for hopefully a different result in four years...

Rishi Sunak has been poked fun at for making a mistake in his commiseration tweet to the Lionesses.

The prime minister told the England football team: "You left absolutely nothing out there, Lionesses."

But eagle-eyed critics have pointed out he had muddled what was intended to be a supportive comment about Sarina Wiegman's side's efforts in the match.

"I think the phrase is 'absolutely everything' PM," senior Labour MP Angela Eagle said.

Broadcaster Jon Sopel, host of The News Agents podcast, also pointed out the error, saying: "Everything, surely!?"

Shelagh Fogarty, a presenter on LBC, joked that the tweet had been "written by a 16-year-old Spad (special adviser)".

Mr Sunak has faced criticism for not travelling to Sydney, Australia, to watch the final in person.

Just one goal was scored in today's match - but that doesn't mean it was a boring match.

There were plenty of tense moments as England came close to scoring, and goalkeeper Mary Earps made some stunning saves.

Here are five key points in the final:

Spain's one and only goal

Even Mary, Queen of Stops couldn't prevent Olga Carmona's goal, with the Spaniard driving in straight into the bottom corner.

A beautiful save

Earps could stop Spain from scoring their penalty after a handball was given in the second half, though - and she did so brilliantly.

Hemp hits the bar

England had several shots, but one of the closest ones was by Lauren Hemp who curled the bar onto the crossbar just 15 minutes into the game.

Greenwood's bloody head

In the second half of the game, Alex Greenwood fell to the ground after being hit by an elbow in the head.

She was bleeding, but after being bandaged up and a quick kit change, she returned to the pitch to continue.

Protester on the pitch

Of course, we can't forget the brief intrusion by a protester.

The pitch invader, dressed in a t-shirt with the slogan "Stop Putler" on it, was quickly dragged off by Stadium Australia stewards.

Since the final whistle blew, our readers have been sending in messages of support for the Lionesses.

Here are some of the latest ones we have received.

Well fought game! True inspiration to us all, even for people not from England. Mary Earps - amazing performance!

Congratulations to the England ladies in getting to the World Cup Final but very disappointed that no senior member of the British royal family were present or a leading British politician. Very poor from our so-called leaders.

You return to England as heroes in our eyes. You have inspired so many young girls and shown them that dreams really do come true. You are the true influencers of our generation. As a mother of an aspiring female footballer, I am so proud that my daughter has you all to look up too. Well done Lionesses and keep on roaring - Nicola McCluskey, Leicester.

Hold your heads up. You did your best and we can't ask for more than that. We are all disappointed but this must hit you the hardest. There will probably be things you have learned. Move on. Hopefully most of you will still be around for the next world cup so prepare yourselves to try again. Rest on your laurels; you've done better than our men since 1966 and they were mighty warriors, the like of which we are still waiting to see. You are mighty warriors so remember that if nothing else.

As a 41-year-old man who has followed football all his life I was never interested in the women's game. I thought it was weaker, slower and boring. In recent years that has changed massively, and I realise that I was too naive to see that all brilliant things are carried on the shoulders of the giants that came before. I was in a local pub today with my two daughters and was emotionally touched by the amount of young girls and boys in kits cheering England on. The Lionesses may not have won today, but they broke the bank in a lot of other ways. We are so proud of you ladies. From a massive fan - Mark

To all the Lionesses. This was not the result we would have liked. Having said that; such is life; every one of you made such a valiant effort and have gone through the learning curve now. We look forward to 2027 when you will show the world how great you really are - Richie Barker, Limassol, Cyprus.

Carol Vorderman has thanked the Lionesses for giving women "such hope for the future" after their World Cup dreams were dashed by Spain.

The former Countdown star congratulated Spain on their win, but went on to thank England for all they've "done for women in the UK".

"I know it won't feel like it now, but from an old bird whose early dreams were stopped by the 'system', you have given us such hope for the future (long after I've gone). Thank you," she said.

Manchester City and England defender Maya Le Tissier said she is "gutted" at the World Cup final defeat, but "proud" of the Lionesses who are "an inspiration for everyone".

Speaking at a screening of the game in London's Olympic Park, she said the team came "so close" but the game just didn't go their way.

"We can be very proud of the players," she said. "They'll be an inspiration for everyone, all the girls and the boys that now want to play for England.

"They're a massive inspiration for everyone."

The King has sent a message to the Lionesses, saying they should not feel "defeated."

He said the team's place is set in the history books and their achievements will "serve as an inspiration for generations to come".

Here's his message in full:

"This brings you, your manager and all your support team my heartfelt thoughts and commiserations on the result of the World Cup final.

"While I know how sore it must be, let none of you feel defeated, for to have reached the final at all is an immense tribute to your skill, determination and team spirit in the finest sporting tradition.

"More than that, though, it will serve as an inspiration for generations to come - and, for that, your place in the history books is assured.

"With great admiration, congratulations to the Spanish team and with particular gratitude to the people of Australia and New Zealand for hosting such a wonderful tournament."

The King failed to attend the match in Australia, instead opting to attend a church near Balmoral with the Queen.

The pair spent around an hour at Crathie Kirk at a Sunday service which began at 11.30am while the England squad were being put through their paces in the tense clash in Sydney.

Sarina Wiegman has said she intends to stay put as England boss after rumours she could be tempted into the US manager's chair.

Coach Vlatko Andonovski is stepping down following a disappointing World Cup campaign and Wiegman was among those tipped to fill the post.

But the 53-year-old issued a reassuring update before today's game: "I'm with England, I'm really happy with England and I have a contract until 2025.

"I'm really enjoying my job and I have the impression that people still like me doing that job. I have no plans to leave."

Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham said the organisation would refuse an American approach for the coach.

England goalkeeper Mary Earps has won the Golden Glove - an award given to the goalkeeper who has conceded the fewest goals in a tournament.

Despite the disappointing result, she did of course save a penalty during the final.

A great tournament for her, despite heartbreak at the end.

Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati has been named player of the tournament.

Discussing the team's victory, she said: "It's unbelievable. I'm so proud because we did a great tournament.

"We deserve it - we deserve it."

She told the BBC: "Everyone knew their goal, everyone is competitive, everyone is strong mentally.

"We have been working a lot of years for this moment.

"And we have the trophy."