Canada star Christine Sinclair has backed City forward Janine Beckie to return stronger, following Monday night’s Women’s World Cup disappointment.

The 2015 tournament hosts exited the competition at the hands of Sweden in the Round of 16, courtesy of a solitary Stina Blackstenius strike and a saved penalty.

READ: Penalty heartache for Beckie as Canada exit WWC

WATCH: Megan Campbell | ‘I feel like a new player!’’

Beckie, who netted the winning effort in City’s Continental Cup Final shoot-out triumph, stepped up to take the spot-kick, having been asked by all-time top goalscorer Sinclair, but was denied brilliantly by Hedvig Lindahl.

Sinclair hailed Beckie’s bravery, asserting she hopes the setback will not affect her confidence.

“I have all the trust in the world in her,” Sinclair stated.

“The ‘keeper made a world-class save.

“That kid (Beckie) is fearless – I hope she doesn’t lose that.”

Beckie’s courage was evident in the aftermath, as the forward braved the press to share her thoughts in an emotional post-match interview.

“I was confident in my penalty,” she reflected. “I thought I hit it really well and it was a really good save.

“Christine asked me if I wanted to take it, which is a big moment for me. It’s going to be hard for a while.

“Those are big moments – moments you live for. You get all the glory if it goes in and you take the blame if you miss.

“That will stay with me for a long time.”

Meanwhile, there still no news on Steph Houghton ahead of England’s clash with Norway on Thursday.

The City and England skipper was the subject of a rash challenge against Cameroon on Sunday and will be assessed over the next 24 hours.

It would be a huge blow for the Lionesses if Houghton misses the game.

Jill Scott passed Peter Shilton’s World Cup record for England when she played against Cameroon - her 18th to date.

The Round of 16 continues on Tuesday with Italy facing China (5pm BST) and the Netherlands locking horns with Japan (8pm BST).