Former Bristol Rovers and England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn believes success for the Lionesses in the 2019 Women's World Cup can help inspire a new generation of female players.
England kick off their campaign against Scotland at 5pm today.
Phil Neville's side are expected to begin the tournament with a win over their neighbours, and are one of the leading contenders to claim this year's crown.
With some of the leading names in the game making up the core of Neville's squad, expectation has never been higher for the Women's side heading into a major competition.
Although the Lionesses come into the clash on the back of a disappointing defeat to New Zealand in their final warm-up game.
And while many are expecting Neville's side to come out on top in France, Scotland will no doubt be looking to avenge the 6-0 defeat they suffered against the Lionesses at Euro 2017.
Martyn, who made more than 100 appearances for Rovers in the late 1990s before going on to win 23 England caps says this tournament is a chance to inspire women to play football, a message which has never been more apt in local football with his former club set to relaunch it's women's team, the Gas Girls this season.
Martyn said: “I played with Phil Neville at Everton – he’s a real football man and he understands the game. So, his knowledge will help the ladies in their quest. There are probably five or six teams that, on paper, you’d say are capable of being the favourites, and we’re one of them.”
“I will be supporting them and hoping that they do it [win the World Cup]. If they do, it will be fantastic for the game here. Imagine how many girls are going to be watching and thinking ‘I want to do that’. Eventually, that’s going to help promote the women’s game in this country, if they can win it.”
“The more of these competitions that there are, the more girls will want to get involved and the more that the quality will improve. And the more we’ll see it on TV, I’m sure.”
Fans can watch the game on BBC One and BBC Alba, with coverage starting at 4:30pm.
The game will also be streamed live on the BBC iPlayer.
Nigel Martyn was speaking exclusively to VoucherCodes.co.uk as part of their Greatest Savers campaign.
