Awards: 2015 Women’s World Cup

The Women’s World Cup has drawn to a close and what a fantastic tournament is has been.

England’s incredible journey to the semi-finals and their magnificent win over Germany in the third placed play-off match caught the imagination of a nation.

It’s credit to Mark Sampson and his Lionesess that they are the team everyone is talking about on these shores, despite USA winning the tournament for a third time after an impressive 5-2 win over Japan.

Now the dust has settled we have selected our Player, Manager and Goal of the tournament.

Player of the Tournament: Carli Lloyd (USA)

The 33-year-old was sensational in Canada. Despite playing in midfield, the official Golden Ball winner was the joint top scorer in the tournament with six goals, including a hat-trick in the final against Japan to become the first ever player to strike three times in a Women’s World Cup final.

Manger of the Tournament: Mark Sampson (England)

The England boss was criticised after the Lionesses’ opening defeat to France but showed his critics how tactically astute he is by guiding the team to the bronze medal. The 32-year-old used his squad to the max throughout his campaign, managing the opposition and situation rather than simply picking the same team and formation in every match. Deserves huge credit for what he achieved and hopefully he’ll be there to guide his troops at France 2019.

Goal of the Tournament: Carli Loyd (USA)

To do this in any match would be amazing, but to do it in a World Cup final is simply sensational. Carli Lloyd, take a bow.