Still feel gutted this morning, what a terrible way to lose. Are there any ways left to lose that we haven't found in major tournaments yet?

Were we unlucky or did the better side win?

In situations like this I think the men get more of a raw deal in the press for numerous reasons: chief amongst them being the simmering resentment that they're millionaires as well as the influence of club allegiances.
I don't therefore think that the support shown post defeat for the ladies, and Bassett in particular, is sexist.

I'm not sure on the sexism point. I think it's more that there is a lot of expectation with the men's team. They are superstars and are expected to perform, whereas this team (they are not even all full time professionals - I read the left back for instance is an analyst at Deutsch Bank in London) were underdogs who most people thought didn't even deserve to be at the tournament let alone almost make the final. And after losing the first game it looked they would limp out miserably at the group stage like the U21s did and the men at their World Cup. While the treatment of Beckham did go on too long in 1998, he was a villain because he needlessly kicked someone and got sent off. This was a freak accident that no one deserved. I actually thought she got into a good position to intercept the cross, probably should have hooked away with the left foot.

y va marquer wrote:

In situations like this I think the men get more of a raw deal in the press for numerous reasons: chief amongst them being ... influence of club allegiances...

True. Felt for England more than Pearce.
Didn't feel anything for Southgate.
Gave Beckham two barrels due to his manc connection.
As for Laura, same as Pearce, i think more of England's opportunity.
Bergkamp's miss in the FA cup semi hits me hardest but i bear no ill-feeing towards him.

I feel sorry for the player and also for the team's opportunity lost. I don't tend to feel much against the players who miss penalties though. It's an extremely tough thing to do and I admire them for having the guts to step up and feel more annoyed at a striker or captain who doesn't step up. Sometimes keepers save them, especially the best keepers, it happens. Beckham who kicked someone and Rooney who stomped on someone brought it on themselves.

Wonder why England didn't do this well back when Gunners Ladies was winning the Quadruple (actually Sextuple) and 5 years Invincible. Too many foreign players?

England v Germany. The Germans can be right dirty sods in midfield. Don't know why, England can't seem to keep the ball, despite having the most skillful player in Jill Scott.

And Scott faffs on a sitter! Gets the ball stuck under feet with only a prone keeper to beat!

3 players in a massive pile-up. Nasty bruises everywhere.

Extra time now, gonna end up with penos with the strikers being this naff.

England not getting protected by the ref and Basset gets a yellow for retaliating to a stamp...

Williams scores! 1-0 Engerlund.

Free (diving) header for Germany and the lass sends it wide.

Our Gooner lass Sanderson is skillful and smart, why isn't she starting?

Cheers for the updates bandy - not following the game because of the Copa final.

Enjoyed that. Really proud of the team after the heartbreak of that semi final. They have come third at the World Cup and beaten Germany, better than any England team have done since 1966. They can definitely return home as heroes.