Sarina Wiegman, the celebrated coach of the England Lionesses, is set to continue her impactful journey with the team, fueled by the exhilarating victory at Euro 2025. Wiegman, known for her tactical prowess and calm demeanor, described the tournament as "chaotic and ridiculous," yet expressed immense pride in her team's resilience and performance.
England's road to the Euro 2025 title was anything but smooth. They started with a loss to France, a setback that tested their mettle early on. However, the Lionesses bounced back, showcasing their characteristic grit and determination. The final against Spain in Basel, Switzerland, was a nail-biting affair, ending in a 1-1 draw after extra time. Spain, the reigning World Cup champions, took the lead in the 25th minute with a goal from Mariona Caldentey. England responded in the 57th minute with Alessia Russo heading home a cross from Chloe Kelly. The game went to penalties, where England emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, thanks to crucial saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and a decisive penalty from Chloe Kelly.
Wiegman, reflecting on the victory, acknowledged the challenges her team faced throughout the tournament. "From the first game it was chaos," she said, "Losing your first game and becoming European champions is incredible". She also lauded her players' ability to "win by any means," a testament to their adaptability and fighting spirit.
Chloe Kelly, who also scored the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final, once again proved to be the hero. Wiegman praised Kelly's resilience and her eagerness to take the penalty. "She loves these moments," Wiegman said. Kelly's journey to becoming a key player has been remarkable. After struggling to get game time at Manchester City, she fought her way back into the squad and seized the opportunity to shine.
Wiegman's contract with England has been extended until after the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. Mark Bullingham, the FA's chief executive officer, has expressed his confidence in Wiegman, calling her "the best international coach in the women's game". He also emphasized the importance of her role in developing the grassroots game. Wiegman, on her part, has spoken of "unfinished business" and her commitment to continue working with the talented group of players in the England squad.
The Euro 2025 victory is expected to have a significant impact on women's football, inspiring future generations and boosting the sport's popularity. Wiegman hopes that the tournament's success will elevate the women's game not only in England but worldwide. The tournament has already broken records in terms of spectators and television viewership, indicating a growing interest in women's football.
As for Wiegman's celebrations, she promised to "do some more dancing". The Lionesses and their fans are ready to celebrate their hard-fought victory, and Wiegman will undoubtedly be at the heart of the festivities. The "chaotic and ridiculous" Euro 2025 may be over, but Sarina Wiegman's journey with the Lionesses is set to continue, with more dancing and hopefully more trophies to come.