Man City boss Pep Guardiola salutes England Women's coach Sarina Wiegman ahead of World Cup final

Pep Guardiola has hailed the work done by Sarina Weigman ahead of England's World Cup final vs Spain this weekend.

Manchester City boss Guardiola admitted split loyalties ahead of Sunday's final, as a former Spain international and proud Catalan with strong links to Barcelona. However, with six City Women players in the Lionesses squad (plus three former Blues), Guardiola said he cannot argue with England's progress and simply wants the best team to win on Sunday.

Asked about the impact of England's run to the final, after winning the European Championship last summer, Guardiola said that another inspiring tournament will continue to motivate young girls to play football in England and around the world.

"What is great is for the future generations of women's football. They’ve arrived to stay," Guardiola declared. "The US, with Megan Rapinoe and other important figures, they demand their position in world football that they deserve to be. See the full stadiums in Australia? The semi-finals both Spain and Australia at home. It's so nice.

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"I imagine the 12, 13, 14-year-old girls see [Alessia] Russo or Lucy Bronze, or Keira [Walsh], the fantastic humans playing football. They dream to play there. As much as teenagers do sport, whatever it is. It’s an incredible contribution to the future of football. Hopefully it will be a good final, hopefully the best will win. I will be there at 11 on Sunday watching."

Pressed for a winner between his native Spain and England, Guardiola gave a diplomatic answer given the number of City players in the Lionesses camp.

"[Spain's] Aitana Bonmati is a player I'm in love with for the way they