England have suffered heartbreak again after losing to New Zealand for the fifth time in the Rugby World Cup final.

Despite a strong start, the first-half sending off of winger Lydia Thompson proved crucial after a reckless tackle on Portia Woodman in the 18th minute.

The Black Ferns ended up winning by 34-31.

England went into the final on an unparalleled run of form, having won their last 30 tests, dating back to a defeat to New Zealand in July 2019.

Included in that sequence were back-to-back record victories for the Red Roses against their old rivals, by an aggregate of 99-27, a little over a year ago.

Earlier, France won the bronze medal after a 36-0 demolition of Canada, scoring five tries.