Five talking points as Spain inflict World Cup heartbreak on England

England suffered heartbreak as they were beaten 1-0 by Spain in the Women's World Cup final.

Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the game in the first half before Mary Earps saved a second half penalty from Jennifer Hermoso to keep her side in the contest.

It was not enough, though, as the Lionesses failed to break through against a quality Spanish side.

Here are all the talking points from a devastating night for Sarina Wiegman's team.

Champions at war

Spain lived up to their reputation as the world's most technically-sound outfit in the final and deserve their title.

And victory is all the more remarkable considering the deterioration in the relationship between manager Jorge Vilda and his players.

Twelve Spaniards refused to participate in this tournament to protest Vilda's leadership, while several others refused to acknowledge him in their celebrations but they still produced a campaign that defied the friction in the camp.

Lauren left out

Lauren James' return to the fold presented Wiegman with her biggest selection dilemma heading into the final.

James is set for Lionesses stardom and had been her team's most creative player at this tournament prior to her round of 16 red card against Nigeria.

Wiegman's side produced their most complete performance of the competition without the forward in the semi-final against Australia, though — enough to convince the boss to bench her starlet.

Though her second-half introduction resulted in an improved team effort, the 21-year-old will reflect on this tournament as a learning curve rather than an overwhelming success.

Brilliant Bonmati

Spain combined their possession-based technical style with cutting edge from the off, led by midfielder Aitana Bonmati.

She was the game's class act, gliding across the pitch with the ball and controlling the encounter in the second half.

Attackers Alba Redondo and Salma Paralluelo, selected ahead of Alexia Putellas in an eyebrow-raising move, caused problems in the first half, but the champions have Bonmati to thank for their victory.

The World Cup Golden Ball award was entirely justified. 

Meaningful misses

The final was decided on fine margins, with England's Lauren Hemp agonisingly close to changing its trajectory.

The forward had two presentable openings in the first half, striking the bar with one, and skewed wide early in the second from a fizzing cross to the back post.

Earps' penalty save was enough to keep her side alive but it was the close calls in the other penalty area that went a long way to deciding the final.

Lionesses legacy

Despite losing the final, the Lionesses have secured themselves a legacy as arguably the country's greatest ever national team.

England were 90 minutes away from becoming simultaneous European and world champions — reaching the final of the World Cup without several key players, including last summer's star individual Beth Mead.

Achieving on the pitch as well as off it, where they have contributed massively to the rise of women's football into the mainstream, Wiegman's teams of 2022 and 2023 will not be forgotten.