Pep Guardiola praised the “amazing” Lionesses of England, saying their victory at Euro 2022 has increased the pressure on Gareth Southgate’s team heading into the World Cup in Qatar.
With a 2-1 triumph over Germany in the Wembley final last month, Sarina Wiegman’s team ended 56 years of major tournament pain for England, outdoing the Three Lions’ performance in their Euro 2020 penalty shoot-out loss to Italy on the same field.
On home soil, the Lionesses shone throughout the competition, winning the title by scoring an incredible 22 goals in six games
According to Manchester City boss Guardiola, their achievements should serve not only as an inspiration to women across the country, but also as a marker for their male counterparts.
“England have to be so proud, first of all, for these incredible women,” he told BBC Sport.
“I had the feeling every season, women’s football, the sport of women, is rising and getting better.
“It’s so nice for our daughters and for the next generations, what they have done. And thanks to all of you, because you pay more attention to what they do, and that’s why they get a final in their home country, at Wembley.
“[It was] a special moment, and I think it will put pressure on the men for the World Cup, and that is good, this is good.”
Guardiola’s praise comes in the same week as the retirements of two Lionesses legends, with the team’s record goalscorer Ellen White and second-most-capped player Jill Scott both hanging up their boots as European champions.
Southgate’s side will begin their World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21 before rounding off Group B by facing the United States and Wales.
Source:.livescore.com