England Women's Claire Rafferty has said that she is hopeful she and her teammates can inspire a new generation, despite falling at the semi-final hurdle at the World Cup in Canada.

The Lionesses suffered a late 2-1 defeat to Japan after Laura Bassett scored an own goal in the 93rd minute.

Now, Mark Sampson's side will switch to Saturday's third-place playoff against Germany, with the hope of taking home a bronze medal.

"I hope we inspire a generation to get into football," The Express quotes Rafferty as saying. "It wasn't the ending we hoped for and it's devastating really - football is a very cruel game.

"I'm lost for words. I would like to say to everyone thanks for your support, continue it in the next game against Germany and hopefully we can come home with a bronze medal."

Japan will take on the USA in the final.