ENGLAND’S history-making Lionesses have left Sydney following their Women’s World Cup final heartbreak.
Sarina Wiegman’s side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain on Sunday.
GettyEngland suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final[/caption]
SplashThe Lionesses were seen at the airport less than 24 hours after full time[/caption]
PADaly, James and Bright all appeared disappointed as they left the team hotel[/caption]
PACarter also looked disheartened[/caption]
Olga Carmona scored the decisive goal to clinch the trophy for Jorge Vilda and La Roja.
Despite the result, the Lionesses have been praised by fans up and down the country for their heroic efforts throughout the tournament and for making history by reaching their first-ever Women’s World Cup final.
The entire squad even received a standing ovation from onlookers as they walked through Sydney Airport on Monday before flying home.
All 23 players, as well as Wiegman and her coaching staff, were seen together ahead of the long flight back to England.
And, understandably, they all appeared disappointed in the wake of their World Cup final loss.
Defensive duo Rachel Daly and Jess Carter looked down as they left England’s team hotel for the airport, while Wiegman was accompanied by a staff member.
Best friends Ella Toone and Alessia Russo were also seen with their England bags on the journey home.
And Alex Greenwood was spotted with a gruesome cut on her eye as a result of a clash with Spain striker Salma Paralluelo.
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SplashRusso and Toone were seen among the group while they were waiting for their flight[/caption]
SplashGreenwood was spotted with a cut and bruised eye[/caption]
The Manchester City and England defender took a brutal knee to the head in the 80th minute of the final, but insisted on continuing until full-time.
Captain Millie Bright – who was celebrating her 30th birthday – was also in attendance as the Lionesses made their way through the airport.
After Sunday’s Sydney showdown, the England defender admitted everyone in the team was heartbroken but vowed to bounce back.
She said: “The mentality has always been there. The character has been there, too. We show that, day in, day out, and in every game.
“We’ve just played in a World Cup final, it’s hard to see it like that at the moment. I’m proud of the girls.
“We’ve played on the highest stage. We’ve had a shot at competing for the trophy we have always wanted but this isn’t the end of the journey and we will definitely bounce back.
“For now, though, we’ll let it settle.”
SplashWiegman was spotted with the team at the airport[/caption]
SplashStanway, Walsh and Wubben-Moy were also among the group[/caption]