England were beaten 3-0 by Spain at the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup Semi-Finals in the Dominican Republic.
Natalie Henderson’s side had threatened, with Erica Parkinson firing over the bar after a smart cut back and Olivia Johnson hitting the crossbar with a 25-yard lob.
Hope McSheffrey then saved well from Irune Dorado, with both the keeper and Cecily Wellesley-Smith blocking successive close-range efforts.
Just before half-time Spain made the breakthrough when Alba Cerrato turned home a low cross and the lead was doubled close to the hour mark, as the tournament’s leading scorer – Pau Comendador – got her fifth at the finals.
Johnson and Parkinson again gave the Spanish keeper cause for concern, while Zara Shaw struck a free kick into the side-netting.
McSheffrey was helped by the crossbar when she spilled an effort but deep into stoppage time, the ball was deflected in off Shaw for an own goal.
While England now face the USA in third-place match at 7.30pm GMT on Sunday, Spain contest the final with North Korea at 11pm, with both matches live and free on FIFA+.
