Pep Guardiola claims England Lionesses have 'put pressure' on Gareth Southgate's World Cup side

29.08.2022 - 19:11 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes the England Lionesses' historic Euro 2022 triumph has 'put pressure' on the men's squad heading into the World Cup later this year.

Sarina Wiegman won her second consecutive European Championship after England defeated Germany 2-1 in the final at Wembley last month thanks to goals from Manchester United's Ella Toone and City's Chloe Kelly. Kelly scored the winner in extra-time and ended the country’s 56-year wait for silverware.

The Lionesses were praised for winning the tournament, but also helping to inspire the next generations - with Guardiola suggesting that the country should be 'so proud' of the Lionesses.

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"England have to be so proud, first of all, [of] these incredible women," he told BBC Sport.

"I had the feeling every season that women’s football is rising, it’s getting better. It’s so nice for our daughters and for all the next generations, what they have done."

The Spaniard also admitted that he feels England’s Euro 2022 triumph will "put pressure" on the men’s team heading into the World Cup in Qatar.

"A special moment, and I think [it] will put pressure [on] the men for the World Cup, and that is good," he added.

Wiegman's side did not lose a single match throughout the entire Euro 2022 tournament, topping the table in the group stages with maximum points, while also scoring 14 goals. The Lionesses also conceded just two goals throughout the competition.

They went on to defeat Spain, Sweden, and eight-time champions Germany to secure the trophy.

It came just one year after Gareth Southgate’s side fell agonisingly short of winning their first major trophy since 1966. The Three Lions