Lionesses winning the World Cup would give England men's team 'real kick up'

Former football manager Harry Redknapp has said England's Lionesses can give the senior men's international team 'a real kick up the backside' following their qualification for the World Cup Final.

With less than 72 hours until the crunch game against Spain, Redknapp, 77, believes a victory on Sunday could inspire Gareth Southgate's men onto glory.

Speaking to GBNews, the former Portsmouth manager said: 'Come on guys, it's about time you won something.'

Redknapp admits Sunday's game has 'the makings of a fantastic final'.

He said: 'The country's bought into it and to get to a final, it's going to be amazing.

'A large portion of the country are going to be glued to our TV sets and hoping England can win the World Cup again.'

Members of the England squad spent some time relaxing on the beach following their dramatic victory over hosts Australia ahead of the final, while at Westminster, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said there should be a bank holiday if the Lionesses win their final match.

Across England, many pubs and bars are planning to open early to cope with demand of fans seeking to watch the game in a crowd, though licensing laws would have to be relaxed if they are seeking to serve alcohol.

Redknapp claimed the progress the women's team has made over the past five years could produce some healthy competition with Harry Kane's team mates. He said England was 'long overdue to win something with the men's team'.

He suggested: 'We should have won something by now with this group of players.

'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.'

Asked about Sunday's game, he said it is likely to be 'very close', but he expects England to edge a victory.

He added: 'Spain have got a lot of problems in their camp. 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.'

The FA Cup-winning manager said with the growth of the women's game, their teams should now be playing in the main stadiums.

He said: 'I think they should be playing the games on the day when the men's team are not playing.

'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.'