Mixed emotions as the final whistle goes in Sydney [James Whitehead/SPP]

ENGLAND’S World Cup dream ended today (Sunday) as a first-half goal from Olga Carmona secured the title for Spain in a gripping final played out in front of more than 75,000 fans in Sydney.

Mary Earps, who saved a Jenni Hermoso penalty, took away the Golden Glove award as the tournament’s best keeper, a deserved gong given her immense performances.

But that was not the only trophy England had coveted ahead of this final and the heartbreak at coming second to Spain was written large in the players’ faces when the full-time whistle blew.

Speaking to the media in the aftermath, Spurs striker and second-half substitute Bethany England insisted that the Lionesses could depart Australia with pride.

“We’ve been together nine weeks on the road and everyone can hold their heads high,” she said.

“We gave everything, unfortunately we fell at the last hurdle, but ultimately everyone should be more than proud of themselves in what we’ve achieved.

“We’ve made history and hopefully we’ve continued to inspire the nation and I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported us along the way.”

It was a hard watch for England fans at full-time as Sarina Wiegman’s players stood heartbroken while La Roja partied mere feet away in the centre of the Stadium Australia pitch.

The Lionesses stayed the course, though, waiting for Spain to be crowned champions and applauding the fans one last time as the glitter rained down and fireworks flew into the night sky.

It might have been so different had Lauren Hemp’s effort in the 16th minute not hit the crossbar. But Spain’s possession game was high and it ultimately told against an England side that seemed to finally have run out of steam after a thrilling run to the final.

“To be really honest I think [Spain] deserved this win,” Wiegman said afterwards, adding: “We have given everything we could in this tournament and also in this game.”