England Women's football team coach, Phil Neville, was philosophical in defeat last night, as his charges went out of the World Cup in Paris with a 2-1 reverse at the hands of holders and favorites, the USA. Neville told reporters:
"It's back to the ironing board, I'm afraid."
Neville's Lionesses put up a spirited effort, and huffed and puffed around the pitch as if they were cleaning their kitchens, but, in the end, it wasn't quite enough against the more workmanlike US team.
Captain Steph Houghton missed a late penalty that would have taken the game into extra-time, but, to be fair, the ladies were tired, and needed a rest.
Said Neville:
"We're disappointed. The lads gave everything they had, but we came up short. We'll dust ourselves down, sweep this one under the mat of experience, and prepare for another big job on Sunday."
And just for the opportunity to ram the clever phrase down everyone's throat again, he added:
"It's back to the ironing board, I'm afraid."
