Spain won the World Cup because of their superior midfield.
Barcelona’s Bonmati, who looks nailed on for the next Ballon d’Or, ran virtually every game she has played during the Women’s World Cup and fully deserves her player of the tournament accolade.
Despite playing most of the tournament in attack, Hermoso was outstanding today (despite missing a penalty), effective across the pitch and created so much space for the likes of Paralluelo and Caldentey to get into.
Abelleira struck up an excellent partnership with her, sitting slightly deeper at the base of the midfield forming triangles and always providing relief for her team-mates being pressed.
This is something of a contract to England’s midfield which misfired far too often.
Stanway and Toone both produced big moments, but will have wanted to provide more for their team.
While she was passed fit, the injury to Walsh seemed to affect her involvement during the knockouts, she struggled for control against her Barcelona team mate today.
