There was Women’s World Cup Final disappointment for Kent duo Alessia Russo, Laura Coombs and the rest of the England squad who were edged out by Spain on Sunday.

Olga Carmona struck in the first period and, despite the Lionesses making a double substitution at half-time which saw Maidstone’s Russo come off, England succumbed to a 1-0 defeat.

The first big opportunity of the showdown had come in the 15th minute when Lauren Hemp sent Rachel Daly’s lay-off against the Spain crossbar before Salma Paralluelo squandered a gilt-edged chance soon after at Stadium Australia.

Paralluelo was denied by impressive Lioness keeper Mary Earps following a dangerous left-wing cross when she should have done better.

But the Spaniards found the breakthrough to net what proved the only goal shortly before the half-hour mark as Carmona sent a low left-footed drive into the bottom corner despite the efforts of Russo to track back.

Spain nearly added a second in first-half stoppage time, too, only for winger Paralluelo to fire inches wide of Earps’ left-hand post.

England manager Sarina Wiegman opted for a bold double change which saw Lauren James and Chloe Kelly come on for 24-year-old Russo and Daly as the Lionesses made a tactical switch.

There were chances for both teams in front of a crowd of 75,784 but, just after the hour mark, referee Tori Penso gave Spain a penalty for a Keira Walsh handball after a lengthy VAR review. Jennifer Hermoso’s spot-kick was easily saved by Earps, though.

As the Lionesses looked for a leveller, Cata Coll did well to tip over substitute James’ looping shot.

Another lengthy delay ensued after Alex Greenwood took a Paralluelo elbow to the head. But the Man City defender was patched-up in Terry Butcher-esque style and continued.

Earps again had to be alert at the start of some 13 minutes of stoppage time to get her legs to Ona Batlle’s low shot.

European champions England couldn’t find an equaliser despite sending Manchester United goalkeeper Earps up for a last-gasp corner, though, and were denied in their first World Cup Final appearance.

Gravesend-born Man City midfielder Coombs was an unused substitute.

Nevertheless, the Lionesses’ performances in reaching the Final helped continue to capture the imagination of fans at home and showcase the women’s game.