The Sky Sports pundit has heaped praise on the Lionesses for their World Cup semi-final win – but admits he wishes England men had achieved the same during his playing career
Gary Neville has backed the Lionesses to win the Women’s World Cup Final – admitting he wishes England had been emulate the same stellar form during his own playing career.
Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo helped Sarina Wiegman’s side see off tournament co-hosts Australia on Wednesday to book their place in the last two. It is just the second time a senior England team has made it to a World Cup Final and the first time the Lionesses will compete in the showpiece fixture.
England’s path to the Final has been littered with setbacks, from an injury to star midfielder Keira Walsh to Lauren James’ two-match suspension, however the Lionesses have ridden every storm to set up a showdown with Spain at Stadium Australia on Sunday. And Neville, who won 85 caps for England between 1995 and 2007, believes Wiegman’s side will take home the trophy this weekend.
“We will win because they do win finals and do things we have never done in this country, not just in one tournament but they do it again and again,” he told BBC Breakfast. “They are so consistent and reliable. I was watching the semi-final thinking ‘wow, I wish we had this when I was playing’, that quality, spirit and energy.