But not everything is rosy and the pain of defeat was evident when Edwards spoke after the game.

After a run of five single-digit scores in seven matches at this World Cup, the time has come for England to find a successor for goalkeeper Amy Jones.

The 33-year-old’s glove has rarely been in doubt, but she has two centuries in 260 matches and was unable to play a free role at the top of the order here.

The pressure on her place would have come sooner but for the dearth of options, with Kira Chathli, 26, from Surrey, or Ellie Threlkeld, 27, from Lancashire, next in line without making a compelling case.

The bold move would be to invest in Capsey, who was England’s backup keeper here and is highly regarded for her skills, but has not held down her spot regularly since Under-17 cricket.

That would allow the immensely talented Davina Perrin to come in as opener alongside Danni Wyatt-Hodge, this tournament’s leading run-scorer at 35 years old.

Eighteen-year-old Tilly Corteen-Coleman, part of this team but not chosen, should now also have a chance.

By reaching this final, England repositioned themselves as the second best team in the world behind Australia. That was once a given, but no longer is after three disappointing World Cups since their previous final in 2022.

Rather ominously, in her press conference, Australia captain Sophie Molineux said her team has “not reached any ceiling”.

Praised for being a “people person” by all-rounder Ellyse Perry and, as evidenced by her lycra-wearing aerobics instructor alter ego., externalMore relaxed than her predecessors Meg Lanning or Alyssa Healy, Molineux may be the perfect captain for this experienced group clad in green and gold.

If so, that would add even more difficulty to the challenge that awaits Edwards.

She believes her team has regained the support of the English public after the fierce aftermath of the Ashes defeat.

It has also dragged England back into the conversation at these world events.

The England coach has many of the necessary components, but her third challenge, catching up and overcoming Australia next summer, is the toughest of all.