England captain Leah Williamson recently summed up Sarina Wiegman’s beloved status in the country.
The Lionesses skipper described the Dutchwoman as “national treasure” and it is little wonder is held in such regard. England had never won a major trophy before Wiegman took the coaching reins in 2021. Since then, they have been crowned European champions twice and reached the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™.
Speaking exclusively to FIFA, Wiegman described her ever-growing bond with the nation she has brought so much joy.
“I love it here, but I still want to learn even more about England! I’m here a lot and I’ve seen a lot of football stadiums, but I haven’t been on holiday that much here. But I do feel that connection, of course. I would say England is now a home away from home for me.”
The iconic Wembley Stadium holds a particularly special place in Wiegman’s heart. England won their maiden EURO title there in 2022 and it has also played host to memorable victories over USA, Brazil and Spain during her tenure.
Another monumental occasion awaits when the Lionesses resume their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ qualifying campaign on Tuesday.
Spain are again the visitors to Wembley for the latest instalment in what has become the sport’s most significant rivalry. The European heavyweights faced off in the Women’s World Cup final in 2023, with La Roja claiming victory in Sydney. England gained a measure of revenge in last year’s EURO final in Basel, coming out on top in a dramatic penalty shootout.
“It’s going to be a clash again,” said Wiegman. “We love to play in Wembley and, with the support of the fans, that really helps us.
“These are two teams that are really good and very competitive towards each other. We know Spain is one of the best teams on the ball, but football is about more than just that. We need to be comfortable sometimes not having the ball, but when we have it, to be really good in possession and try to make them feel very uncomfortable defending.”
England are currently ahead of Spain on goal difference at the top of UEFA qualifying Group A3, with both teams having won their opening two matches against Iceland and Ukraine.
“Only the four group winners will qualify, and all the others will have play-offs, so it’s really hard in Europe,” added Wiegman. “Of course, we want to qualify as quickly as possible.
“It will be an exciting game against Spain and we’re looking forward to it. It’s going to be a huge challenge for us – but also for them.”
England have displayed a capacity to overcome major obstacles during the Wiegman era. Their triumphant 2025 EURO campaign was a case in point; the Lionesses trailed in each of their knockout matches – including by two goals against Sweden in the quarter-finals and heading into the 96th minute of their last-four tie with Italy – but each time dug deep to emerge victorious.
“That says a lot about the players,” said Wiegman. “It shows they really want to win. Also, that we know we have won before and we’re convinced that we can change games even though we’re behind.
“At the same time, we always want to be better. We want to prevent these moments. We have a culture where we want to work really hard for each other. We have a goal and everyone wants to be part of that. I think that togetherness gives you a competitive advantage. We prepare and have the conviction that we can win. Of course, we also have the game plan, and playing to our strengths [is important].
“Making mistakes is also part of our environment. If you take action, you can do something brilliant, but you can also make a mistake. That’s part of life, it’s part of football. I want us to play to win, to take action. Then we can discuss what actions were taken and whether it was the best decision. Can we do things differently or should we do the same to be successful? That’s what we’re working on all the time.”
England midfield maestro Kiera Walsh has explained how Wiegman’s approach “gives you the confidence to try things”, adding that “some of the goals we score we wouldn’t have in the past”.
Wiegman’s calming yet inspiring influence has also earned praise from several Lionesses stars, while captain Williamson has saluted her loyalty, focus and clarity.
“Sarina stands by us on and off the pitch,” she said. “She supports us in whichever way we need. If she tells me to jump, I say ‘how high?’”
Wiegman’s methods have underpinned her remarkable success over the past decade, and she has been voted The Best FIFA Women’s Coach five times.
The most recent recipient of the annual prize, the 56-year-old set out her intent to use her platform to further enhance the sport.
“I feel very honoured and very grateful [to win awards],” said Wiegman. “It says things about performances, but the most important thing for me is that we have done really well as a team. As well as on the pitch, that’s the FA, that’s the staff. I have so much expertise around me.
“I’m very, very competitive and I really enjoy winning, but at the same time when you do so, you’re so visible and you can give a message. Our deeper purpose is to change society in a positive way. When we perform at the highest level, we have that stage to address a couple of things and make it a better place, especially for women and girls.
“That’s what’s what makes me happy. I hope that I can inspire women to start coaching – because we need a better balance – or to do anything else in football. I hope there are more girls starting to play football, and more women who stay involved in the game, whether that’s as coach or a referee… That’s the deeper purpose.”
Wiegman boasts a glittering CV, but one title has so far proved elusive. Twice a World Cup finalist, she led the Netherlands to the showpiece match in 2019 where they were beaten by USA. England’s defeat to Spain in the decider four years later made it consecutive runners-up finishes.
While Wiegman stressed qualification for Brazil 2027 is the priority – “we cannot take anything for granted” – her excitement about England’s potential is palpable.
“I feel like the lucky one that I can coach England,” she said. “Having the opportunity to work with these players, I feel very grateful for that. They’re very, very talented. We have a mixture of established players with a lot of experience that can help other (younger) ones, but still they want to be at the top of their game too.
“We’re in the qualification stage for the World Cup, and of course we want to go to Brazil, to be the best there and to do everything to win it. But it’s really, really hard. The competition is improving so much and there are so many teams that could be favourites for the World Cup.
“But of course I have a dream, my team has a dream, and we’re working on it every single day.”
