Original Lionesses who played in England's first ever women's 1972 international football match praise World Cup team (but joke, 'I just hope it comes home before I go up there')

Football veterans who played in England's first ever women's international match praised Sarina Wiegman's World Cup squad after they were narrowly defeated by Spain during today's thrilling final in Australia. 

Seven original lionesses were among the crowd of hundreds of heartbroken fans at Wembley Boxpark, who watched the historic clash.

The trailblazing sporting heroes, who wore T-shirts with the slogan '1972 Lionesses – Yes, we were the first' - took part in the first women's international played in the UK when they took on Scotland in November 1972. England won the match 3-2.

Lioness veteran Jeannie Allott said 'the whole of England is very emotional'  after today's defeat. 'We should have taken the chances what we had. It wasn't to be. It will come home eventually I just hope it comes home before I go up there,' she added. 

'Let's hope so because I was one of them that started this football and I'm proud. I'm so proud of the girls. I think the whole of England are proud of them. 

'We are just proud that we opened all the doors for this. Don't forget the National Lottery was pumping £50million, which is absolutely fantastic. I hope other organisations are going to do that.

'These young girls, they are our future. Get them off the streets, get them into training schools - for any sport, it doesn't matter.

'We were in hell in the 70s and now they are in heaven here. Unfortunately this final didn't pay off. Never mind, it will come home.'

Veteran Lioness Pat Davies, 68, who played centre forward in the 1972 match, said: 'It is just unbelievable to be here.

'I never thought that one day I would be watching the England women's team in a World Cup final. It is amazing and I just hope that they can lift the trophy. It would mean so much.'

Davies, from Tenby, Wales, said the original members of the team had lost touch with other but got together last year when they were presented with medals on the 50th anniversary of the match.

'It is so wonderful to be here and to see so many fans cheering on the Lionesses.'

The former trailblazers joined all the thrills and spills inside the Boxpark as they watched their beloved England take on Spain. 

The group of veteran players were pictured cheering on the Lionesses surrounded by other fans. 

And as the match began, there were jubilant scenes as England's Lauren Hemp's stunning shot almost netted the first goal of the match, clipping the crossbar instead. 

But moments later, it was horror for the Lionesses as Spain scored the opener, while England fans groaned at the goal. 

Then, despite a determined fightback by the Lionesses, it was followed by heartbreak as the final whistle came, signaling the end to England's hopes of World Cup Glory, as Sarina Wiegman's side lost 1-0 to Spain. 

Maya Jama and Rio Ferdinand were among the fans in front of the big screen in the Olympic Park shocked into silence when the goal was scored.

Lee Hewett, 43, of Lambeth, said: 'It's not good, definitely not good but we'll be okay. I've got a feeling we'll be okay. I think we'll beat them.'

On watching Spain score, he added: 'Your heart just drops... because you obviously want England to win, but I'm confident.'

Earlier, football fans wearing England's red and white kit queued for hours before the game kicked off. 

Mother-of-two Keara Smith had travelled from her home in Reading, Berkshire, with her sons Andre, 12, and Leon, 11, to watch the match and soak up the atmosphere inside the Boxpark venue.

'This is the most important game of football since 1966,' she said. 'We got up very early to come here as we wanted to be part of the day.'

Another fan Rebecca Robinson, 25, said victory for the Lionesses will be a huge boost for the whole country.

'If they win it will be such a boost for England. Everyone will be in such a good mood, and it will bring everyone in the country together.'

Fiona Frazer brought her five-year-old daughter Aria to the Boxpark and was among the first in the queue.

She said: 'We've been watching all the games on the TV, but this is the special one. When we win, an it is when and not if, the whole country will celebrate.' 

Her daughter was even more confident, saying: 'Football's coming home.'

Many of those queuing were die hard England fans who support both the women and men's team.

Some were hoping the result was more favourable than the last time they were at the Boxpark when they watched England lose in the World Cup semi-final to France last December.

'It was heartbreaking when the men's team lost,' said Sally Langmead. 'I am really hoping the women can go one better and win the World Cup. It will mean so much, not just to women's football but the whole country.'

Wembley is one of three Boxpark venues in London.

All 2,500 tickets sold out within eight minutes of the Lionesses beating Australia to book their place in the final.