England Women's Claire Rafferty has said that she is hopeful she and her teammates can inspire a new generation, despite falling at the semi-final hurdle at the World Cup in Canada.
The Lionesses suffered a late 2-1 defeat to Japan after Laura Bassett scored an own goal in the 93rd minute.
Now, Mark Sampson's side will switch to Saturday's third-place playoff against Germany, with the hope of taking home a bronze medal.
"I hope we inspire a generation to get into football," The Express quotes Rafferty as saying. "It wasn't the ending we hoped for and it's devastating really - football is a very cruel game.
"I'm lost for words. I would like to say to everyone thanks for your support, continue it in the next game against Germany and hopefully we can come home with a bronze medal."
Japan will take on the USA in the final.
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Switzerland W
Norway Women
New Zealand W
Philippines W
Australia Women
Nigeria Women
Canada Women
Ireland Women
Japan Women
Spain Women
Zambia Women
Costa Rica Women
England Women
Denmark Women
China PR Women
Haiti Women
N'lands Women
USA Women
Portugal Women
Vietnam Women
France Women
Jamaica Women
Brazil Women
Panama Women
Sweden Women
S. Africa Women
Italy Women
Argentina Women
Colombia Women
Morocco Women
Germany Women
S. Korea Women
