Heartbreak for England fans as brave Lionesses are beaten by Spain despite World Cup final heroics | The Sun

ENGLAND fans were left heartbroken after the brave Lionesses were narrowly beaten by Spain in the World Cup final.

Nervy supporters packing out pubs across the country saw hopes of a second-half fightback slowly slip away as La Roja hung on to seal the victory despite a valiant effort from our women.

Expectant supporters had their hearts in their mouths as the clock ticked away during a frantic second-half.

Brave Lionesses collapsed to the ground in dejection after the final whistle blew with Spanish players racing away in jubilation.

Alex Greenwood, Mary Earps and Georgia Stanway wiped away tears while Lauren James and skipper Millie Bright reflected on what could have been.

But the tearful England players were seen rallying as one as they consoled each other before looking up to their fans and applauding their loved ones in the crowd.

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Thousands of Lionesses fans clutching pints in pubs, bars and even churches across the country were left teary eyes as the dream ebbed away.

Mary Earps had earlier sparked hopes of a comeback after making a stunning save to deny Jenny Hermoso from the spot.

But it wasn't to be despite the the Lionesses giving it their all against a top-class Spanish side.

A number of young England fans were seen being consoled by their parents after the disappointing results.

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Others pulled their shirts over their heads and shed tears as they continued to booze away.

Star player Lauren James – summoned from the bench – saw a shot tipped over the bar as hopes of a fightback were sparked after the missed penalty.

A number of players were booked in a physical match-up with England trying to stamp some authority as the second-half unfolded.

Optimistic fans clutched their drinks in Victoria Park, Boxpark Croydon and Boxpark Wembley – while some even caught the spectacle at St Luke's Church in Bournemouth.

Families decked in red and white continued to rally together and supported the Lionesses during the high-tempo game.

Fans were left gutted as La Roja made the breakthrough just before the half-hour mark in the Sydney showdown.

But young fans with face-paint continued to wave their England flags with the game well in the balance.

Thousands of supporters – some holding 'It's coming home' banners – took to the streets around the UK and Australia desperate for England's first World Cup glory since 1966.

And some keen fans were even seen fully kitted-out in lion suits in a bid to try and roar the Euro 2022 winners to victory.

The inspiring Lionesses reached the final after beating hosts Australia 3-1 in Wednesday's semi-final thanks to goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.

The headline team news came from the opposition camp as Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas is benched for Spain.

Meanwhile, the Lionesses were unchanged from their semi-final win against Australia with Lauren James returning from suspension to make the bench.

Pubs up and down the UK were packed as supporters cheered the Lionesses on and the lively atmosphere continues to soar today.

Hundreds of Brits gathering at the Boxpark fan zone in Croydon were spotted slapping on face-paint and draped head to toe in England flags.

And members of the 1972 Lionesses team were also pictured at Boxpark Wembley to roar on the women.

An audience of up to 15 million back home watched on the BBC or ITV — with bookies slashing odds that it will be the year’s most viewed sporting event.

Sarina Wiegman has led England Women to today's World Cup Final a year after seeing her team claim victory at Euro 2022.

She is also the only manager – male or female – to lead two different teams to a World Cup final, having finished as a runner-up with the Netherlands to the USA in 2019.

There were fears England's player of the tournament so far, Lauren James, would miss the legendary game after being handed a two game suspension.

She was sent off deep into the second half of the Lionesses' clash with Nigeria after she got into a scuffle with Nigeria's Michelle Alozie, electing to stamp on her while she got off the deck herself.

James was handed an extended two game ban, missing the quarter-finals and the semi-finals.

But James – who is on the bench – is free to play in the highly-anticipated final against Spain.

'SO PROUD'

The nation was gripped with World Cup fever and everyone is pulling together to cheer on the team and see them claim glory.

King Charles and Prince William — together with Princess Charlotte — sent the squad best wishes while Stephanie Moore hailed the “once in a lifetime” opportunity.

The King last night gave the team his support in a social media message.

It was timed at 10pm so the Lionesses saw it as they woke up in Sydney.

In it, Charles said: “Good luck today and may you roar to victory.”

Everyone is fit, everyone is available and we're in a very good place, so we can't wait."

He signed off the message — alongside an image of a lioness — with his royal cypher, Charles R.

Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 76, are set to watch the game at home on the Balmoral estate.

The Prince of Wales and Princess Charlotte said yesterday: "Lionesses we want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow.

"We're sorry we can't be there in person but we're so proud of everything you've achieved and the millions you've inspired here and around the world.

"So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves."

"Good luck Lionesses," added Princess Charlotte, holding a football in her show of support for the inspiring team.

England men’s boss Gareth Southgate, captain Harry Kane and ex-skipper David Beckham also sent good luck messages.

England have already beaten Spain once, and we expect them to do the same again.

SunSport's prediction sees the Lionesses roar to victory with a 2-1 win as they go head to head with Jorge Vilda Rodríguez's team.

England's Lauren James, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo are all in contention to win the Golden Boot.

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Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí, Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo are also in the running.

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