Gareth Southgate tells England women they ‘have done more than us already’ and has ‘no advice’ for Sarina Wiegman’s side as the men’s head coach delivers his support to the Lionesses ahead of World Cup final
Gareth Southgate has issued a message of support for the Lionesses ahead of their World Cup final match against Spain, claiming that he has ‘no advice’ for Sarina Wiegman’s side who ‘have done more than us already.’
England Women’s side booked their place in the final of the tournament for the first time in history with a 3-1 win against Australia in the semi-final, but have been magnificent throughout the competition overcoming several obstacles to reach the showpiece event.
Should the Lionesses triumph at Stadium Australia today, the women’s side would be crowned World Cup champions for the first time since the men’s side were victorious in 1966.
The 2022 European Champions will today come up against a tough opponent in Spain and many notable figures, including Southgate, have taken to social media to deliver messages of support to the Lionesses.
‘Hi to you all out there in Australia,’ the England men’s boss said in a video that was posted on the Lionesses Twitter account. ‘You’re doing a brilliant job, so that’s the first thing, and of course there is no advice because you’ve done more than us already, and you know what is needed to win.
England men’s team manager Gareth Southgate (pictured) has delivered words of encouragement for the Lionesses
The team will take on Spain in today’s Women’s World Cup final, after they defeated Australia 3-1 in the semi-final
‘So all that remains is to wish you the very best for the final, and we hope you can bring that trophy back. Good luck everybody.’
It comes just a little over a year after Wiegman’s side beat Germany 2-1 in the European Championship final at Wembley.
England have been impressive throughout the tournament overcoming several challenges to book their place in the final.
After progressing through the group stages with wins against Haiti, Denmark and China, the team defeated Nigeria with 10 players, came back from going a goal down to beat Colombia 2-1 in the quarter-finals and defeated the hosts Australia 3-1 in front of a partisan crowd in the last four.
England men’s captain Harry Kane also delivered his well wishes to the women’s side, saying: ‘Hi Lionesses just waned to say best of luck for the World Cup final on Sunday.’ He said in a video posted on Instagram. ‘I’ll be watching. It’s been an amazing journey so far and you should be really proud of yourselves.
‘We’re all behind you, we’re all supporting you and we know you can do it. So go and get that World Cup win and bring that trophy home. All the best!’
Many other stars from the world of music and television have reached out to deliver their well wishes to Sarina Wiegman’s side
Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand also delivered his support saying: ‘This is a moment, man. This is history in the making. You girls are close. I’ve had every faith in you man, so please make me cry. Let’s go.’
Former England women’s forward Kelly Smith cheered the Lionesses on. She said: ‘Yet another final. You’ve done it again, one last push. Just believe in yourselves, go out there, it’s just another game. Another game.
‘Bring it home. We’re all so proud of you. I’ll be there watching in the final.’
Some of music’s most notable names including Geri Halliwell, Paloma Faith, Chase & Status and Jess Glynne delivered words of encouragement for the team.
Premier League stars James Maddison, Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier also appeared in the video alongside Chelsea Women’s boss Emma Hayes who wished her Blues players good luck.
‘Bring the World Cup home!’ she said.