STOP CELEBRATING GLORIOUS FAILURE

Lionesses have to take share of flak

- JEREMY CROSS

THE positives came flooding in despite all the tears and glum faces spawned from another crushing defeat.

England’s Lionesses had created more history by reaching a first ever World Cup final. The achievement would give the women’s game an even greater platform from which to grow, coming just 12 months after they won the Euros on home soil.

Mary Earps took home the ‘Golden Gloves’ award, while Sarina Wiegman had become the first boss to lead two nations to the biggest game of the lot.

All of the above is undeniable and should be applauded, of course.

But here comes the uncomfortable part of the equation – the other truths few people want to hear.

England didn’t achieve what they set out to do.