Figures from across York and North Yorkshire have shared their reaction to the Lionesses defeat to Spain in the World Cup Final today (August 20).
After the England side lost 1-0 to Spain, support and admiration has been given to the team which still made history with a second-place finish.
Lioness star Rachel Daly’s former York College football coach Gordon Stainforth said: “They gave everything, there’s no doubt about it.”
Retired York City footballer and former national coach Gordon previously told The Press of his support for the team and believed the Lionesses could go all the way and lift the World Cup.
“I didn’t expect that,” he said after the match.
“That was tough all the way through.
“Spain played and performed really well. They’ve done their homework.
“We didn’t get many chances at all. It felt Spain were in control.
“I thought we would have been better than that.”
Rachel Daly was taken off at half time as she made way for Chloe Kelly.
Gordon admitted that with Spain leading coach Sarina Wiegman “had to do something” but said he was “disappointed” that his former student was taken off.
“I was disappointed they took her off,” he said.
“She didn’t have her best game, but no one did.
“I felt really disappointed for Rachel that she’s come all the way to the World Cup Final and was taken off at half time.
“She must be disappointed.”
Read next:
- ‘I am heartbroken’ – York fans react to Lionesses defeat in World Cup Final
- England goalkeeper Mary Earps wins Golden Glove for Women's World Cup efforts
- England boss Sarina Wiegman says Lionesses should be 'very proud' despite loss
Paula Stainton, York City Ladies chairperson, urged people to remember what the Lionesses have achieved and said York City Ladies FC is "hugely proud of them".
"What an incredible journey for the Lionesses which we have all been on with them once again," she said.
"Despite a disappointing end, we should congratulate Spain as Winners but we must also not forget just how much the Lionesses - players; management; technical and support team have achieved.
"Two huge tournaments in two years, reaching the final in both: UEFA Women’s Championship Winners and Women’s World Cup Runners up.
"They have presented as a team, inspiring a nation of young female footballers; providing positive female role models; cultivating a new fanbase for female sport and creating a new platform for the female game for us all to build upon.
"We are totally in awe of them and as a Women’s National League football club, York City Ladies FC, is hugely proud of them."
Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, said she was “proud” of the team for reaching the World Cup Final.
“Unfortunately, a Women’s World Cup win was not to be,” she said.
“After an incredible tournament, I’m so proud of all the team.
“The Lionesses have played superbly and are a true inspiration.
“As a supporter of the ‘This Girl Can Campaign’, I want to encourage women and girls to engage in sport. If you want to get involved in football, you can search for girls’ programmes in York using the Football Association website that can be found at https://find.englandfootball.com.”
Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, shared support for the Lionesses after the game.
“A nail biting ending to the Women’s World Cup Final,” he said.
“Well done to the Lionesses, it’s not the result we hoped for, but you’ve made your country very proud - the future’s certainly bright for women’s football.”
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