Gareth Southgate gives simple message to Lionesses as he admits he has 'no advice' for team
Gareth Southgate gave his support to the England' Women's team
PA
Gareth Southgate joked he had "no advice" for the England Women's team ahead of the World Cup final, with the Lionesses progressing further in the tournament than the men's team have under his leadership.
In a good luck message for the team, the 52-year-old said that the footballers "know what is needed to win".
Today is the first time that the Lionesses have made a final in a World Cup, having finished a previous best third eight years ago in Canada.
The team need to beat Spain in Sydney in order to be crowned world champions.
Sarina Wiegman has worked wonders during her time as England managerPAA victory would be the first time that an England football national team have won the tournament since the men’s team triumphed in 1966.
Speaking in a video posted on the Lionesses’ social media, Southgate said: “Hi to you all out there in Australia.
"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.
"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."
Southgate led a number of public figures in sharing their support fot the team.
England men’s captain Harry Kane added: "I just wanted to say best of luck for the World Cup final on Sunday. I’ll be watching.
"Amazing journey so far, you should be really proud of yourselves.
"We’re all behind you, all supporting you, we know you can do it, so go and get that World Cup win and bring that trophy home. All the best."
Meanwhile former Lionesses player Kelly Smith told the team: “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.
“Please play to the best of your ability and everything else will take care of itself. I believe, the country believes, let’s go.”
Prince William, who is the President of the FA, last night apologised to the Lionesses for not attending the World Cup.
“I want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow”, William said in a video statement posted to Twitter via the Kensington Royal page.
“We’re sorry we couldn’t be there in person. We’re so proud of everything you’ve achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world.
“So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”