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England Women lose to USA in SheBelieves Cup finale

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 07:  Izzy Christiansen #16 of England dribbles past Allie Long #20 of United States during the SheBelieves Cup soccer match at Orlando City Stadium on March 7, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/ Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Izzy Christiansen; Allie Long
Image: Izzy Christiansen (left) menaced the American defence in a hard-fought contest

Karen Bardsley scored an own goal as England Women suffered a 1-0 defeat to the United States, who reclaimed the SheBelieves Cup in Orlando.

The Lionesses were hoping to take away one point from the match to win the title, but after confusion in defence in the 58th minute, a clearance attempt by Millie Bright hit keeper Bardsley to give their American hosts the advantage.

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England continued to pile on the pressure and an equaliser nearly arrived late in the game as Ellen White's header came within inches of the goal, but bounced off the inside post.

A draw would have been enough for Phil Neville's new side to lift the trophy on goal difference, after a 4-1 win over France followed by a 2-2 draw with Germany.

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England Women's head coach Phil Neville reflects on losing to USA

But the testing moments at the end of the first 45 minutes - as a powerful strike from Mallory Pugh fell wide of the post - extended into the second half.

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England's player react to their 1-0 defeat to the USA in the SheBelieves Cup.

England had been more than a match for the highly-rated USA for most of the first half, but Neville's women looked to fade as the interval approached and the difference in quality continued to tell for the rest of the contest.

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 07:  Karen Bardsley #1 of England can not handle the ball as Megan Rapinoe #15 of United States scores a goal during the SheBelieves Cup soccer match at Orlando City Stadium on March 7, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/ Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Karen Bardsley; Megan Rapinoe
Image: Goalkeeper Karen Bardsley can't believe it as the USA score the winner

Neville brought on Toni Duggan and Nikita Parris who both created chances, while the last-gasp effort came in the 87th minute when Lucy Bronze put in a free-kick to Izzy Christiansen who whipped in the cross for White.

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The Birmingham City Ladies striker was left in disbelief as her header hit the post and bounced to Tierna Davidson who cleared the ball from the line.

France beat Germany 3-0 in Wednesday's other game to finish third behind England.

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