England’s journey in the Women’s Under-17s World Cup came to an end with a 3-0 loss against defending champions Spain in the semi-finals. This match marked a rematch for England, who had previously suffered a 4-0 defeat to Spain in the European Under-17s final earlier this year. Just before halftime, Alba Cerrato, returning from suspension, scored for Spain, giving them a crucial lead.

Pau Comendador extended her impressive scoring streak with her fifth goal of the tournament, solidifying her position as the frontrunner for the Golden Boot. Additionally, an unfortunate own goal by England’s Zara Shaw further contributed to Spain’s victory as they advanced to the final scheduled for Sunday in the Dominican Republic.

This semi-final appearance is notable for England, as they have reached this stage twice in three attempts. Their previous best finish was fourth place in 2008. Now, they have an opportunity to improve their standing when they face the United States in the third-place playoff at 19:30 GMT on Sunday.

England’s coach Natalie Henderson expressed her pride in the team’s performance, stating that they gave their all and fulfilled their promise to strive for excellence. The players’ determination was evident throughout the tournament and particularly in this challenging match against a strong opponent.

Meanwhile, Spain will compete against North Korea in the final match of the tournament. North Korea previously defeated England 4-0 during the group stages, adding an interesting dynamic to Spain’s quest for a third World Cup title.

As England reflects on their performance, they can take pride in their achievements and look forward to building upon this experience in future competitions. The upcoming match against the United States presents a chance for redemption and another opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage.