The England Women's side will be disappointed having lost to Germany in the final of Euro 2009 but the coach Hope Powell preferred to draw on the positives.

It was the first times the Three Lionesses had competed in a major final for 25 years, but they competed well - in the opening 45 minutes at least - against the defending champions, who put them to the sword in the final stages to record a 6-2 victory.

Karen Carney and Kelly Smith had kept England in the match, and it was only when they went 4-2 down that the belief drained from the team. Late goals added a gloss to the scoreline for the visitors.

Powell had to pick her players up from the defeat, but said the experience would help her young squad develop into one that can compete for major titles more often.

"The experience of this has been phenomenal, playing six games and getting the final - we have never experienced that before, unlike the Germans," she said.

"This will make us stronger, we will go back and work harder and make sure we are in it again. The main objective is to qualify for major tournaments.

"If you look through this tournament, losing the opening game, having injuries - we have had a tough time. Every game has been tough and the girls will be stronger for it. The future for us is bright."

The Germany coach Silvia Neid felt England had been worthy opponents.

"I thought England could have got back into the game, even at 4-2 down," she said.

"I only felt confident at 5-2 when England started to look tired and we were still enthusiastic."