One instance. One rush of overenthusiasm. One split second of miscommunication. That was enough to leave England’s World Cup dreams in tatters. It was a moment that caused the holes to appear in the Lionesses’ new-found tactical formation, a system that had been a huge key to their success in Australia but also, on this occasion, led to their downfall.
It all happened in a flash with little under half an hour on the clock. Lucy Bronze, a forward-thinking wing-back, surged ahead on an inverted run. Whether she needed to go at that particular moment is a separate debate, with the game firmly in the balance. Miscommunication followed, allowing Spain to win the ball back. A deft crossfield pass set Mariona Caldentey away into the space vacated by Bronze and gave her the room to set up Olga Carmona for the finish.
