Sarina Wiegman, the Dutch-born coach of the England women’s football team, may have mastered the art of winning matches and lifting trophies, but she still finds herself grappling with the quirks and idioms of the English language. At a recent press conference, Wiegman was asked about the standout performance of Lauren James in the previous match, to which she responded with laughter, confessing her unfamiliarity with the phrase “cat out of the bag.” However, as she approaches her first World Cup final with the Lionesses, Wiegman admits to feeling more connected to the English culture and learning to navigate its direct yet polite communication style.
Wiegman’s direct and to-the-point nature, a trait she attributes to her Dutch background, has resonated with her players. They appreciate her honesty and clarity, even as they adjust to the English approach of balancing respectfulness with directness. Wiegman began her tenure with the Lionesses in September 2021 and soon realized the country’s fervent desire to win a major tournament. The 1966 World Cup win often resurfaces in conversations, reflecting the nation’s longstanding hunger for another triumph. However, Wiegman’s focus lies in achieving results rather than fixating on the outcome, urging her team to perform at their best and be successful in the upcoming final.
While Wiegman has been the driving force behind the Lionesses’ success over the past two years, the World Cup has presented its own unique challenges. Injuries to key players and negotiations with clubs to release players on time have tested her managerial skills. Additionally, the team faced a public dispute with the Football Association before their departure to Australia, and Keira Walsh suffered a concerning knee injury during the tournament. Despite these hurdles, Wiegman has proven her ability to overcome adversity and guide her team to victories.
Wiegman’s strategic decision-making has also played a crucial role in the team’s progression. Following a conversation with her assistant, Arjan Veurink, they opted to switch from their usual 4-3-3 formation to a 3-4-1-2 setup, capitalizing on the squad’s strengths and enhancing their performance on the pitch. Now, with the dilemma of whether to reintegrate Lauren James or continue with Ella Toone, who impressed in the semi-final, Wiegman will make the decision that best serves the team, unfazed by sentiment.
Wiegman’s reputation extends beyond her team, with fellow managers expressing admiration for her tactical acumen. Jill Ellis, the former US coach, praised her tactical prowess, while Tony Gustavsson, the Australia boss, acknowledged Wiegman’s deserved emergence as the last female manager standing in the World Cup. Emma Hayes, the Chelsea manager, encapsulated Wiegman’s impact on English football, crediting her as the right leader for this golden generation of players.
As Sunday’s final approaches, the magnitude of the game is not lost on Wiegman. This represents England’s greatest opportunity to win a World Cup, and she acknowledges the team’s growth and confidence throughout the tournament. Wiegman’s leadership and expertise position her as the woman capable of guiding her team to glory. Should she emerge victorious, the world will recognize her accomplishments, and the secret to her success will be revealed to all.
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