THE Lionesses were last night hailed as heroes by royalty who declared them the pride of England despite a shattering World Cup final loss to Spain.
FA President Prince William, who watched it at home with his family, spoke for millions when he told Sarina Wiegman’s inspirational side they had “done this nation proud”.
Hero keeper Mary Earps, who pulled off a superb penalty save, was among several players who wept on the pitch after the devastating 1-0 defeat in Sydney.
Sarina, 53, and her heartbroken squad then had to look on as the delirious Spaniards deservedly collected their winners’ medals at Stadium Australia.
Olga Carmona’s drilled 29th- minute strike was enough to see off England, whose best chance came when Lauren Hemp struck the bar on the quarter-hour mark.
It could have been worse for England when Jenni Hermoso stepped up for a spot-kick on 67 minutes — awarded after an agonising VAR intervention for handball.
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But Earps, who won the Golden Glove award, saved brilliantly then yelled “f*** off” to the opposition as she rallied her team-mates.
Despite late pressure, Spain clung on to win the tournament for the first time, breaking the hearts of England who were not expected to get this far.
William, 41 — criticised for not attending — wrote: “Although it’s the result none of us wanted, Lionesses you have done yourselves and the nation proud. Your spirit and drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come.
“Thank you for the footballing memories. Congratulations to Spain. W.”
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While Spain’s Queen Letizia, 50, was in the stadium with her daughter Infanta Sofia, 16, King Charles and wife Camilla were pictured attending church at Crathie Kirk, near Balmoral.
Charles, 74, sent a message to England’s beaten Lionesses later: “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.
“It will serve as an inspiration for generations to come.”
PM Rishi Sunak said they “left nothing out there”.
Labour leader Keir Starmer added: “Heartbreaking. So proud of the England team who inspired the whole country. This is just the beginning.”
Match of the Day host Gary Linker said he was “gutted” for England but added of Spain: “They were the better team and thoroughly deserved their victory.”
Talk TV host and Sun columnist Piers Morgan agreed, posting on X/Twitter: “Our women can’t bring it home either. Good effort, Lionesses but the better team won. Congrats to Spain.”
Sarina, who led England to last year’s epic Euros win at Wembley, was typically gracious in defeat.
She said: “I thought that Spain were a little better than us today and they had a great tournament, so congratulations to them.
“Of course it feels really bad now — very, very disappointed.”
The gaffer, who lost to the US in the last World Cup final when manager of her native Holland, added: “When you get to the final you want to win, but in sports you can also lose.
“I think we can be so proud of ourselves now although it doesn’t feel like it at the moment.”
Spain’s triumph came amid turbulence behind the scenes of their national team.
There were boos when manager Jorge Vilda picked up his winner’s medal and held the trophy aloft.
Some 15 of their top players wrote to the Spanish Football Federation last year asking not to be picked — citing a lack of “professionalism”.
After the game, the disconsolate Lionesses completed a lap of honour — while stars past and present predicted they would be back.
Devastated England defender Lucy Bronze, who plays for Barcelona, was consoled by Spaniard Ona Batlle, her club team-mate.
Other stars were visibly upset, including subbed striker Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood, bandaged after an injury.
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But captain Millie Bright said: “At first you feel you’ve failed — but this is not it from us, and we will bounce back.”
I’m A Celebrity winner Jill Scott, 36 — part of the winning Euros side — added: “These Lionesses are going to keep progressing.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
