WC Final pictures: England fall to defeat against Spain

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.

The closing ceremony precedes the final in Sydney (Mark Baker/AP)

England line up for their first Women’s World Cup final (Zac Goodwin/PA)

England go close to opening the scoring as Lauren Hemp hits the crossbar (Abbie Parr/AP)

Olga Carmona’s strike past the outstretched Mary Earps gives Spain the lead (Isabel Infantes/PA)

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

Carmona celebrates with a message on her shirt (Isabel Infantes/PA)

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

Lauren James, right, was brought on at half-time (Zac Goodwin/PA)

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

Mary Earps saves Jennifer Hermoso’s penalty to deny Spain from going 2-0 up (Zac Goodwin/PA)

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)

Contrasting emotions are on display at full-time (isabel Infantes/PA)

England gather in a team huddle following defeat (Isabel Infantes/PA)

England collect their silver medals (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Spain players lift the World Cup (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Salma Paralluelo celebrates the team’s achievements with a phone call (Abbie Parr/AP)