Wiegman admits Spain deserved World Cup final win

Sarina Wiegman has congratulated Spain on their World Cup final victory over England, conceding that her side were beaten by the better team.

Olga Carmona's first-half goal was enough to see off the Lionesses in Sunday's showdown, with Wiegman's outfit failing to create much in response.

And the 53-year-old was philosophical about the defeat, saying: "Overall I think Spain were a little better than us today. Congratulations to Spain.

"Of course it feels really bad now, very disappointing. You go into the final and you want to give everything and then you lose it.

"That happens in sport but what we have done, how we have shown ourselves, who we are, how we want to play as a team, overcoming so many challenges.

"I think we can be so proud of ourselves now although it doesn't feel like it at the moment."

Wiegman has primarily used a 3-5-2 shape during the World Cup but switched to a 4-3-3 at half-time of the final as she searched for a way back into the game.

Mary Earps was still called upon to keep her team in it, though, saving a penalty from Jennifer Hermoso.

On the tweak, Wiegman said: "I think the first half we struggled but we changed to a 4-3-3 in the second.

"I thought we got momentum but then the penalty and injury with Greenwood happened."

The Dutch tactician was linked with the vacant USA job earlier this week but FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham confirmed that any approach for her services would be turned down.

She is contracted to the Lionesses until 2025.