David Wagner believes Norwich City’s meeting with Millwall should have been moved to avoid clashing with the women’s World Cup final.

The Championship fixture kicks off an hour after the final, which England contest with Spain at 11am on Sunday.

The game will be shown on screens at Carrow Road as the Millwall match is played, but the City head coach says his side’s Lions clash should have been delayed out of respect for the Lionesses.

“My personal opinion is that we should have removed the game for at least for an hour,” he said. “This is my personal opinion but it's totally out of our hands. 

“The broadcasters and the EFL decide this and we have to respect this. But my personal opinion was when I heard maybe we can change and delay for an hour I would have said, ‘Yes I understand and we must show the women's football the respect they deserve.’

“Listen, this is a World Cup final, and obviously the minute Germany was out I was supporting England, so it is a big game for the girls. But they decided against it and I respect this.”

As well as backing Sarina Wiegman’s side this weekend, Wagner will also have a keen eye on Norwich’s women, who start their campaign at 2:30 against AFC Sudbury.

He continued: “I met our new women's coach (Martin Herdman) this week in the canteen as well for coffee and we had a good chat. 

“They start on Sunday as well and I'm pretty sure we will keep in touch. I invited him to attend our training if he has time to join our training. Fingers crossed they will have a good season as well.”

North Walsham-born Lauren Hemp is expected to feature in the final, after scoring and assisting in the 3-1 last four win over Australia.

The 51-year-old praised her abilities and wished her well, saying:  “Her left foot is blessed. Great assist which she gave (for the third against Australia) - unbelievable vision. 

“A Norfolk girl to be one step away from winning the World Cup would be great for sure. I wish her all the best.”