David Beckham bizarrely comes under fire from woke football fans after calling Lionesses 'girls'
David Beckham sends Lionesses his support
INSTAGRAM/ENGLAND FOOTBALL
The Lionesses are just one step away from the Women's World Cup final as they take on Australia in the semi-finals today.
The Matildas and Lionesses go head to head with a spot in the final against Spain at stake.
As a nation backs the England Women's team to bring glory home, several famous faces have shown their support - including David Beckham.
Alongside his daughter Harper, 11, the pair appeared in a video on England Football's official Instagram account to wish the Lionesses luck.
"Hey girls," Beckham began in the clip. "I just wanted to say, wow. What a tournament it’s been so far.
"It’s been so much fun to watch and we’re all so proud as a nation of what you’ve achieved already."
David Beckham called the Lionesses "girls"
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The former Man United and Real Madrid winger continued: "Seeing you girls play as a team, it’s been really incredible.
"So continue to do so, good luck in this next game, and just know that our whole nation is behind you, as always. And good luck."
Beckham's daughter beamed with joy as her dad panned the camera to her while she waved and shouted: "Good luck Lionesses!"
Victoria Beckham's hubby then signed off: "Keep inspiring these girls because it's incredible to watch.
"And I'm very, very happy that you're doing it for this one [Harper]."
WATCH THE CLIP HERE:
While the Beckhams' good luck message was seemingly sent with the best intentions, a number of bizarrely disgruntled fans took to the comments section to slam the footballer's choice of words.
Several Instagram users slammed Beckham's decision to call the Lionesses "girls" when he kicked off the clip.
One user replied: "Not sure that the right way to start the video," followed by a skull emoji.
While a second furiously hit out at the star: "They're women David. Women!"
And a third Instagram user followed suit as they replied: "It’s WOMEN not girls."
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David Beckham's daughter Harper also showed her support
INSTAGRAM/ENGLAND FOOTBALL
A fourth took issue with Beckham's manner as they weighed in: "Why not talk like that when males in world cup? It feels like charity speech."
However, others rushed to Beckham's defence, with one arguing: "Some of the comments on here are disgusting.
"Great work as always @davidbeckham in supporting the women’s game and it’s so great to see your Daughter feeling inspired by what the Lionesses are achieving in women’s football!"
And a second defended: "I'm amazed reading the negative comments from people instead of appreciating his well wishes.
"AND WOMEN ARE GIRLS no matter what age they are.... it's just an endearing term that's all folks!!!"
Beckham didn't reply or address any of the comments about his speech.
The Lionesses take on the Matildas at Stadium Australia, Sydney in their hotly-anticipated match with kick off at 11am UK time.