The England Ladies Team finished 11th place at the recent World Championships in Portugal after their strong start with a convincing 9-0 win over South Africa and a good effort against the USA, losing 3-1.

England then took on the ex champions Spain in a match where management decided to rest their best players and focus on defence, losing 10-0. “The team was missing two of our best players, who couldn’t make it” said Claire Curry, England Captain “and it was important to rest for our other matches.”

As a result England had to play Australia to get to the 9th place playoff and started well, winning the first half 2-0, but in the second half the Australians took an early goal and then scored again to equalise in a highly exciting match. With 1 one minute to go England was awarded a penalty, which was saved by the Australian goalkeeper and then with just 10 seconds remaining Australia scored from a rebound to take the match 3-2.

Despite England’s best efforts we where forced to play off for 11th/12th against Mexico and again got off to a strong start that saw the team leading 3-0 at half time but conceding 2 goals in the second half, much to the heart ache of the England management looking on.

With the team back home now, National Competitions Director Tony Czifra is leading moves to ensure the establishment of a National Women’s League this season that will help to encourage more women to play the sport and enhance the experience and fitness of our representatives in the future.

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Reporter: Kos Galtos