Ex-Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand makes promise to Lionesses ahead of World Cup final

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand promised to be topless in Trafalgar Square should England's Women beat Spain in today's World Cup final.

Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses have captured the imagination of the country with their impressive displays in Australia this summer. In midweek, England beat the host nation 3-1 in Sydney's Stadium Australia to book their place in the final.

England, who boast United's Mary Earps, Ella Toone and Katie Zelem as well as Manchester City's Ellie Roebuck, Alex Greenwood, Esme Morgan, Laura Coombs, Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly in the squad have now received a good luck message from Ferdinand ahead of the final. Speaking to his followers on X, the TNT Sports pundit said: "Yes Lionesses, it is Rio Ferdinand here and I want to send you a message of good luck man.

ALSO READ: England vs Spain - live updates

"I don't think you are going to need it, you girls are smashing it. We are watching back here, you guys are inspiring not only the younger girls and boys but the whole nation.

"We are supporting you from afar, you are miles away but we feel you are close man - that is what you guys have done. You girls are doing what us guys could not do. We couldn't get near it. Please, please bring this home. If you bring this home man, I will be in Trafalgar Square, I'll be topless, I'll be in the water.

"Listen man, take care, enjoy it. This is a moment, history in the making. You girls are close and I have every faith in you Lionesses so please make me cry, let's go."

Follow the MEN's United coverage on TikTok and YouTube , and subscribe to the Manchester is Red podcast