Sarina Wiegman's England stands on the precipice of greatness, poised to etch their names in football history by retaining their European title. The Lionesses, under Wiegman's expert guidance, are set to face Spain in the Women's Euro 2025 final at St. Jakob Park in Basel on Sunday.
Wiegman's journey with the Lionesses has been nothing short of extraordinary. Appointed in September 2021, she quickly transformed the team, leading them to victory at the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 on home soil. This historic win marked the first major trophy for an English senior team since the men's 1966 World Cup victory.
Now, Wiegman aims to secure her place among the managerial legends. A victory against Spain would make her only the fourth manager in Euros history to retain the title with the same nation, following in the footsteps of Gero Bisanz, Theune-Meyer, and Silvia Neid, all of whom achieved this feat with Germany. Moreover, she is already the first manager, in either men's or women's football, to reach five consecutive major international tournament finals. This unprecedented achievement underscores her tactical acumen and ability to inspire her teams to perform at their peak on the biggest stages.
However, the road to the final has been far from smooth. At Euro 2025, England's performances have been characterized by grit and resilience. After an opening defeat against France, the Lionesses have had to navigate a challenging path, often finding themselves on the back foot. Their knockout matches have been particularly dramatic, with late goals and comebacks becoming a hallmark of their campaign. Chloe Kelly's winning goal in the 119th minute against Italy in the semi-final is the latest example of their never-say-die attitude.
Despite the challenges, Wiegman has instilled a belief and unwavering spirit in her squad. She has also used the team's platform to advocate for "positive change in society". Following instances of online racial abuse directed at defender Jess Carter, the team has spoken out against racism, emphasizing the importance of using their influence to promote equality and respect. This commitment to social justice reflects the values of the women's game and its power to inspire beyond the pitch.
Looking ahead to the final, Wiegman acknowledges the quality of the Spanish team but expresses confidence in her own side's ability to rise to the occasion. She emphasizes the need for England to be at their best, highlighting the tactical plan in place to counter Spain's strengths. The Lionesses will rely on their key players, including the emerging talent of 19-year-old Agyemang, who has already made a significant impact with crucial goals.
As England prepares for the final showdown, the nation holds its breath, hoping that Wiegman and her Lionesses can once again make history. Retaining the European title would not only cement their status as one of the greatest teams in women's football but also inspire a new generation of players and fans.