Arsenal stars Leah Williamson and Beth Mead are among those to have paid tribute to the England women’s rugby team after they narrowly missed out on World Cup glory. 

The Red Roses were on a record-breaking winning streak heading into Saturday’s final against hosts New Zealand but suffered a 34-31 defeat in what proved to be a match for the ages. 

In front of a boisterous crowd of 42,579 at Eden Park, the Black Ferns overturned a first-half deficit to snatch victory and claim their sixth World Cup crown. 

England’s players were understandably heartbroken at the end but many were quick to praise Simon Middleton and his team on a stunning run to the final and for putting on a spectacle that will be remembered in years to come. 

VIDEO: New Zealand lift the Rugby World Cup trophy

What did Mead and Williamson say? 

Williamson captained the Lionesses to glory at Euro 2022 earlier this summer, while Mead won the Golden Boot and the Player of the Tournament awards. 

Both players, therefore, have experienced what it’s like to play in a major tournament final and were keen to stress that the Red Roses were still "heroes” in their own right. 

"Heartbroken for you all but what a fight,” wrote Williamson on Twitter. 

"Heroes,” she added. 

Similarly, Mead took to social media and shared a message which read: "Heartbroken for you all, you gave everything out there to the very end. Be proud of what you’ve all done.”

Others echoed the thoughts of Mead and Williamson. Indeed, the Women in Sport Twitter account posted a message that said: "Not the final result but what the #RedRoses achieved @rugbyworldcup can't be overlooked. 

"They’ve smashed stereotypes, shown girls they can be passionate, strong, competitive and resilient. In front of a record crowd @edenparknz they've shown girls that rugby is for them.”

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 12: Georgia Ponsonby of New Zealand celebrates scoring a try with team mates during the Rugby World Cup 2021 Final match between New Zealand and England at Eden Park on November 12, 2022, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

How did New Zealand win the Rugby World Cup? 

England had lost four previous finals to New Zealand and there was to be no redemption on this occasion for Middleton’s side. 

Lydia Thompson was shown a red card in just the 18th minute, forcing England to play with 14 for much of the game. 

However, the Red Roses remained competitive and led 26-19 at the break, thanks to two tries from Amy Cokayne, plus one each for Ellie Kildunne and Marlie Packer. 

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 12: The New Zealand Black Ferns celebrate winning the Rugby World Cup 2021 Final match between England and New Zealand at Eden Park, on November 12, 2022, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Greg Bowker/Getty Images)

After the interval, Stacey Fluhler and Krystal Murray touched down to put New Zealand in front, before Cokayne went over for her third. 

However, Ayesha Leti-I'iga scored her second of the game late on, in what proved to be the decisive try. 

The Red Roses had a chance to level the scores with a penalty in the final minute but opted to kick for the corner instead. 

New Zealand regained the ball from the resulting line-out and were soon jubilant as the referee blew for full-time. 

Check out the latest rugby union news and rumours here

QUIZ: How well do you remember these British sporting moments?