Switzerland also repeated last year’s play-off victory against England to earn third place, while The Netherlands reversed the verdict of last year’s fifth-place match by beating Czech Republic.

Russia’s Marina Fedorova claimed the most valuable player award, while the honour of being top scorer was shared by five players who finished the tournament with four goals - Molly Clark of England, Anna Cherniakova and Fedorova of Russia, Natalie Schenk and Eva Bachmann of Switzerland.

The award for the best goalkeeper went to Viktoria Silina of Russia.

A long distance goal from Fedorova opened the scoring in the final, and further goals from Cherniakova and captain Anastasia Gorshkova put Russia in charge before their defender Veronika Khutornaia put through her own net.

A late penalty for Spain was coolly converted by Alba Mellado to put them within a goal of their opponents - but they had reached their high water mark.

England finished in the same position as 2017, fourth, after losing a close third-place battle with Switzerland, 6-5 after extra time.

England forced the extra 30 minutes with two late goals, but when Bachmann slid in to put the Swiss ahead once again in extra time, the day was done.

The Netherlands also earned a 6-5 scoreline in their fifth place play-off against Czech Republic.

The next stage of the League is due to take place in Catania in Italy between August 16 and 18.

The final is scheduled to take place at Figueira da Foz in Portugal between September 5 and 8.