England World Cup win 'would give men's team a kick up the backside' says Harry Redknapp
Harry Redknapp spoke to GB News about England and their chances of Women's World Cup glory
GBNEWS
Harry Redknapp believes England winning the Women's World Cup would give the men's side 'a kick up the backside'.
The Lionesses beat Australia 3-1 on Wednesday to set up a mouthwatering match with Spain on Sunday.
Ella Toone and Sam Kerr traded blows, with late goals from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo sending England through.
And Redknapp, speaking to GB News, believes victory over Spain for Sarina Wiegman's side can motivate the men's side.
England were too strong for Australia as they made Women's World Cup final
PA
“We should have won something by now with this group of players," he said.
“If the girls can do it, it would give the guys a real kick up the backside and say ‘Come on. It's about time you won something'.”
While England have won all four of their matches so far, Redknapp expects a tough test in store.
“Spain have got a lot of problems in their camp," continued the former Tottenham manager.
"They’ve got quite a few players who refuse to come and play, I think they don’t like the coach, so that is where the problem is for them.
“But it's still very, very good; it's very even game.
"I think the bookmakers make Spain slight favourites, it’s that close, but I think England can do it.
“The squad look very much together and I don’t see any reason why we can’t win the World Cup.
“You need good players, but also the manager has to get the best out of players.
"And that's what that's what our manager does with this team, she's been absolutely fantastic.”
Redknapp also thinks women's teams should be playing in big stadiums - insisting the pitches can 'take it'.
“I think they should be playing the games on the day when the men’s team are not playing,” he said.
“You’re not going to do any damage to the pitch: Your pitches can take two games in two days.
“We should get the ladies into the stadiums.
"I think that will be a big push forward for the game that needs to happen.”
England's tournament started with a narrow 1-0 win over Haiti, with Georgia Stanway netting the only goal of the game.
Lauren James was then on target as the Lionesses edged out Denmark.
England thumped China 6-1, with James scoring a brace with Russo, Hemp, Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly also on target.
In the round of 16, after a goalless draw, England overcame Nigeria after a dramatic penalty shootout.
The Lionesses fell 1-0 down against Colombia before goals from Hemp and Russo.
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Fans were buzzing as England beat Australia to make the Women's World Cup final
PA
And while Kerr was on target for Australia on Wednesday, England were simply too strong as they made the final for the first time in their history.
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