Ten Hag sends Lionesses a good luck message ahead of World Cup final

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has sent a good luck message to the England women’s team ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain in Australia – and says he is proud of the fact that their manager is Dutch.

Sarina Wiegman has led the Lionesses to within touching distance of England’s first World Cup success at senior level since 1966, four years after she was in charge of Holland’s beaten finalists at the 2019 tournament in France. Wiegman has also won the European Championships with both countries.

United have three players – goalkeeper Mary Earps and midfielders Ella Toone and Katie Zelem – in the England squad, while striker Alessia Russo left the club this summer before joining Arsenal on a free transfer. Toone and Russo scored in the 3-1 win over hosts Australia in the semi-final to take Wiegman’s side through to the final against Spain.

Ten Hag sent a goodwill message ahead of the big game at Stadium Australia on Sunday, saying: ‘Firstly, it is great that a Dutch manager is doing a great job for England, so I am very proud of her, coming from the Dutch school.

‘Of course, I am a supporter and fan of the England women’s team and I really cross my fingers and hope they return with the World Cup.’