England's World Cup crusade came to an end last Thursday morning when they were defeated 2-1 by Korea DPR in the semi-final.

And Lois Fidler's Lionesses were unable to roar to a bronze medal after they lost 3-0 to old foe Germany in the third-place play-off on Sunday.

England's last-four conquers Korea went on to lift the World Cup trophy, beating USA 2-1 after extra-time in the final.

But England's fourth-place finish at New Zealand 2008 was a valiant effort and after the Germany defeat coach Fidler admitted that the Three Lions' performance at the tournament had exceeded everyone's expectations.

The World Cup was also a success for Alnwick's two Lucys, who both attend the Duchess High School.

The soccer starlets played an important role during the global tournament.

The duo featured in all six of England's World Cup fixtures. Lucy B started five matches while Lucy S was named in the first XI four times. She also capped her quarter-final start against Japan with a goal. Her fine effort from the edge of the area was described by FIFA.com as a "quite brilliant equaliser". Her strike is one of 10 put forward for goal of the tournament.

The Lucys, who play for Sunderland Ladies, also started England's semi-final and third-place play-off matches.

But their dreams of lifting the first-ever U17 Women's World Cup were dented by an unbeaten Korea DPR team.

Playing the tournament's first semi-final, England were undone by two first-half goals through Ho Un Byol and Jon Myong Hwa. A 75th-minute effort from Rebecca Jane could not inspire a Three Lions come-back.
Lucy B played the whole match while Lucy S was substituted five minutes from time.

After the semi-final loss in Christchurch's Queen Elizabeth II stadium, coach Fidler told FIFA.com: "I think our girls deserved to get more out of the game. I'm very proud of them: they were resilient and showed great character again."

The last four defeat saw England take on Germany in the third-place play-off on Sunday.

But Germany, who are the current U17 Women's European Champions, proved too strong for the Lionesses.

The German's, who had stumbled to a semi-final defeat against USA dominated the all-European showdown, played in the 25,000 capacity North Harbour Stadium, in Auckland.

Goals from Inka Wesely, Turid Knaak and Lynn Mester guided Germany to the bronze medal and a place on the World Cup podium. Lucy S played the whole match while Lucy B was replaced a minute from time.

Afterwards Lois Fidler said: "We had a lot of tired legs out there. The Germans deserved their win. Physically, they were just too much for us.

"We've exceeded everyone's expectations here and I was proud of them again in terms of the dignity and character they showed in defeat."
But the Lucys and the rest of the 21-strong Lionesses squad have captured the heart of the nation, and beyond.

A picture of Lucy B celebrating with Danielle Carter during England's 3-0 Group D win over Brazil made the frontpage of The Dominion Post – Wellington's daily newspaper.

And on the social networking site Facebook, a number of groups have been created backing Lois Fidler's girls, including "Eng Women U17 in New Zealand – An Appreciation"

One fan said: "well done to all the girls representing the one n only country worth representing."

Another simply wrote: "theyve dun us proud ppl!" (people)