World number four Alison Waters won her match against Nour El Sherbini 3-2, but defeats for Laura Massaro, who lost 3-1 to Raneem El Weleily, and Jenny Duncalf, who was beaten 3-2 by Omneya Abdel Kawy, meant that England were only able to emulate their silver medal-winning performances of 2008 and 2010 rather than their victory in 2006.

"I'm really, really happy - I love my team," said El Weleily after joining her team-mates on court to celebrate Abdel Kawy's triumph.

"It's very, very, very big."

Team coach Amir Wagih was also overjoyed.

"It's so good for Egypt and so good for squash - it was a super final with three matches of unbelievable squash," he said.

England, who had been seeded first, admitted that the better team won.

"We are incredibly proud of the team," said Keir Worth, head of coaching and performance at England Squash & Racketball.

The winning women's teams from Egypt (centre), England (left) and Malaysia pose on the podium with their medal

"Obviously we are disappointed to come away with a silver, but all credit to Egypt, they battled hard and it was a terrific match.