So near but yet so far...

…and that’s the end of the women’s World Cup. But it’s been a blast, and there’s been so much to celebrate over the last month. Lots of good, skilful football, some spectacular moments, and a general level of efficiency and intelligence in refereeing, commentary and analysis that we don’t usually get in the men’s game - as we were reminded by the convenient but totally irritating reappearance of Jonathan Pearce.

And then there’s been the rise of underdogs, often woefully undersupported by their federations back home, who’ve had the skill and nerve to upset established powers like Germany and Brazil. I’ll never forget Japan, showing the rest of the tournament how Spain could be beaten, by scoring four gals without reply on 23% of possession. Now that was class.

And there was England. Very convincing at first, lucky to squeeze past Nigeria and Colombia, but improving all the time, and ending up as the second best of the last four teams standing. But we couldn’t hang on to the ball, or think and act as quickly as Spain, so it’s right that they end up on top. But fabulous entertainment all the way through - we should be grateful.