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Pep Guardiola heaped praise on England’s “incredible” Lionesses as he suggested their Euro 2022 triumph has put more pressure on Gareth Southgate’s team ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
Sarina Wiegman’s side ended 56 years of major tournament hurt for England with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Germany in last month’s Wembley final, going one better than the Three Lions did in their Euro 2020 penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy on the same ground.
The Lionesses sparkled throughout the tournament on home soil, scoring a remarkable 22 goals in six matches on their way to the title.
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.
