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England finished fourth at the 2019 Women’s World Cup , falling at the semi-final stage for the third successive major tournament running.
Phil Neville’s side missed out on a first-ever final after being narrowly beaten 2-1 by the United States in Lyon. Defeat to Sweden in the third-place playoff followed four days later.
Neville always insisted that anything less than winning the World Cup would be considered a failure by him and his players.
Even so, a semi-final place was the minimum expectation at the start of the tournament and 2019 ranks as England’s second-best finish at a World Cup.
Only two senior England sides – the men’s winners in 1966 and the third-place women’s side in 2015 – have ever secured a better finish.
Who impressed for England at the tournament and who will be disappointed with their displays?
Show all 24 1 /24England Women's World Cup squad rankings England Women's World Cup squad rankings Karen Bardsley - 7 out of 10 Uncomfortable playing out of the back on occasions but did the basics well when called upon. Missed in the semi-final.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Carly Telford - 6 out of 10 Stepped in for Bardsley on three occasions. Did not disgrace herself, though positioning and decision-making could be questioned on both United States goals.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Mary Earps - N/A Unused third-choice goalkeeper, though will hopefully have benefitted from the experience of travelling to a tournament.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Lucy Bronze - 8.5 out of 10 England’s best all-round player enjoyed an excellent tournament, only to blemish her record with a muted display in the semi-final.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Rachel Daly - 7.5 out of 10 Impressive against Japan, showcasing the depth at Neville’s disposal, but failed to trouble the United States when called upon again in the last four.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Alex Greenwood - 6 out of 10 Started well. Never afraid to offer her winger support on the overlap, winning the penalty against Argentina, though her levels dropped for then onwards.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Demi Stokes - 6 out of 10 Always felt more defensively reliable than Greenwood, but overwhelmed when trying to contain Tobin Heath and Rose Lavelle down her side against the United States.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Steph Houghton - 8 out of 10 The missed penalty will be long remembered, but the England captain was so often making a crucial block or last-ditch tackle at this tournament. Covered for clear defensive frailties.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Millie Bright - 5 out of 10 Another member of Neville’s first-choice defence that never appeared truly comfortable playing out from the back. Had to be carried through by Houghton at times.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Abbie McManus - 6 out of 10 One of several players that was arguably not used enough, especially given Bright’s struggles, though did not cover herself in glory against Sweden.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Leah Williamson - N/A Only appeared once, as a late substitute with the game already won against Cameroon.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Jill Scott - 7.5 out of 10 13 years on from her debut, still England’s best central midfielder. Without her physical presence, the semi-finals would have been a long shot. Will she still be around in 2023?
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Keira Walsh - 6 out of 10 Too easily overran and failed to dictate the play for too much of the tournament, though redeemed herself in the semi-final.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Jade Moore - 5.5 out of 10 Supposedly a more combative and conservative presence than Walsh, though England’s midfield did not look any more stable with her in it.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Fran Kirby - 6 out of 10 Finally came to life in the third-place playoff. Of course, by then, it was too late to salvage a disappointing individual tournament for one of England’s most naturally-gifted players.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Georgia Stanway - 7.5 out of 10 Excellent on her only start, against Japan. Bringing her on in the 89th minute of the semi-final summed up Neville’s insufficient use of her at this World Cup.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Karen Carney - 7 out of 10 Made a telling impact from the substitutes’ bench against Japan. Another who Neville may look back and feel he did not use enough, but has now hung up her boots.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Lucy Staniforth - N/A Like Williamson, her only appearance was as a late substitute against Cameroon.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Nikita Parris - 6.5 out of 10 Began brilliantly against Scotland, lively against Norway, but everything either side of those two games was a little underwhelming for the FWA’s Player of the Year.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Beth Mead - 7.5 out of 10 Caught the eye in glimpses. Assists against Argentina and the United States stand out. A fiftful presence, but one that should have been trusted more.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Toni Duggan - 5 out of 10 Picked up an injury at the start of the tournament and looked off-the-pace in the appearances that followed. Dropped for the semi-final and could have few complaints.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Ellen White - 9 out of 10 Brilliant. Tirelessly led the England press off the ball. On it, she made every touch count. Six goals to her name, but sadly no Golden Boot.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Jodie Taylor - 6 out of 10 White’s form left Taylor sidelined, though she delivered a crucial winning goal when called upon against Argentina.
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England Women's World Cup squad rankings Phil Neville - 6 out of 10 Introduction of a more progressive style is a positive, but work still to do. Selections and in-game decision-making left much to be desired. Has unquestionably built a strong team spirit.
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Take a look through the gallery above to see how we rated each member of England’s 23-strong squad and Neville himself.
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