World Cup final in pictures: England fall to agonising defeat against Spain

The Lionesses were beaten 1-0 as Spain edged a battle of first-time finalists.

Published Aug 20, 2023

Last updated Aug 20, 2023

England fell short of a first World Cup title after they were defeated 1-0 by Spain in Sydney.

Olga Carmona’s strike in the first half was the difference between the two sides while England goalkeeper Mary Earps saved Jennifer Hermoso’s second-half spot kick as the Lionesses fell at the final hurdle.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the best pictures from the day.

WWCup Spain England Soccer — The closing ceremony precedes the final in Sydney (Mark Baker/AP)

Spain v England – FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – Final – Stadium Australia — England line up for their first Women’s World Cup final (Zac Goodwin/PA)

APTOPIX WWCup Spain England Soccer — England go close to opening the scoring as Lauren Hemp hits the crossbar (Abbie Parr/AP)

Back in London, a Spain fan celebrates in Victoria Park (Steven Paston/PA)

There was disappointment back in Manchester (Peter Byrne/PA)

Maya Jama was among those in London cheering on the Lionesses (David Parry/PA)

Nikita Parris celebrates her Manchester United team-mate's save back in England — Nikita Parris celebrates her Manchester United team-mate’s save back in England (David Parry/PA)

Alex Greenwood suffered a head wound but was quickly back in action (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Spain’s Ona Batlle (right) consoles Lucy Bronze following England’s defeat (Zac Goodwin/PA)