CASEY Stoney played the final eight minutes of extra time as England Women's football team saw off Germany 1-0 to finish third in the World Cup in Canada.

Fara Williams's 108th minute penalty ensured England beat Germany for the first time in 31 years to win bronze medals.

And the performance was the second best by an England team on the world stage following the 1966 win by the men's side and eclipsed the 1990 men's team, who finished fourth in Italy.

The Lionesses had not beaten two-time World Cup winners Germany in 20 attempts but they more than matched their opponents and won the spot-kick in the second period of extra-time after substitute Lianne Sanderson was brought down by Tabea Kemme.

Williams, who is England's record cap holder and was homeless at one point in her England career, beat retiring German goalkeeper Nadine Angerer for her third penalty of the tournament.

It brought to a close a superb campaign for England, who finished as the top European nation and are now set to climb from sixth in the world rankings after a tournament during which they generated strong and well-deserved support at home.

Basildon born Stoney made three appearances during the World Cup.

And she was delighted to finish the campaign on a high, dedicating her medal to her family, which includes her two young twins and girlfriend Megan Harris.

Stoney tweeted: “This is for my Teddy, Tilly and @MegsHarris7 and my mum, dad and brother. I love you all thanks for your support.”

Stoney grew up in Wickford and attended Runwell Primary School, along with her older brother Scott.