Fran Kirby's England Women Knocked Out Of Women's World Cup

Fran Kirby will return to Berkshire this summer downtrodden, with the Lionesses beaten by Japan Women in the semi-final of the Women's World Cup after an injury time own goal by Laura Bassett.

Had things gone differently and England had won, it would have been their first ever Women's World Cup final and only the second in English footballing history, after the men's team won the World Cup in 1966.

Fara Williams' penalty had equalised after Japan's Aya Miyama had also scored from the spot and it looked as though the Lionesses were on course for extra time, only for Laura Bassett to get a touch on a Japan cross and the ball to loop over Karen Bardsley in goal, hit the crossbar and bounce down and over the line.

Rather than taking part in the Women's World Cup final on Sunday, the ladies will now face Germany in Saturday's third-place playoff.

Regardless of the agonising result and final position in the tournament, Fran Kirby should return from Canada with her head held high after featuring in four of their five games, scoring one goal to help them on their way to beat Mexico Women on June 13.

Everyone at The Tilehurst End would like to say congratulations to Fran and the rest of the team for their incredible achievements this summer. Chins up, you've done us proud!

For a full match report, click here.