Sarina Wiegman has extended her contract as England head coach through to the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The existing contract of the Netherlands-born coach, who guided England to European Championship glory in 2022 and to the final of the 2023 World Cup, had been set to expire after Euro 2025 in Switzerland.
The 54-year-old, who has reached the final of the past four major tournaments across her spells with the Holland and England national teams, says “we have unfinished business”, as her assistant Arjan Veurink also extends his stay until 2027.
“I am so happy to have the chance to lead England through to 2027 after an incredible two-and-a-half years,” Wiegman said. “I know we are capable of even more, although nothing will come easy. Our game is becoming so competitive at the top level. I relish that opportunity and can’t wait to start the Euro qualifiers, followed by the World Cup.
“I would like to thank Mark Bullingham, Debbie Hewitt and the FA Board for their support. I also must mention Arjan Veurink, I am delighted he has also extended his stay. It is a fantastic job working with these amazing players and alongside great colleagues. And, of course, it is very special to be able to play a part in giving our fans such wonderful moments.”
Wiegman’s future had been the subject of much speculation during last year’s World Cup. Her success with England has seen her linked with a series of other high-profile jobs around the world, including suggestions she could be a candidate to replace Gareth Southgate as the England men’s manager in the long-run, but she has now committed to the Lionesses for two more major tournaments.
“We are thrilled Sarina has agreed to extend her time with us as we head into another significant period of international football,” said the Football Association chief executive Bullingham. “She has achieved so much through her outstanding work as a coach and leader, and there is more to come. The aim with our England teams is to be a consistent competitive force in major tournaments, and Sarina has helped us achieve that – building on what had been several years of positive progress.
“She has also been a tremendous ambassador for the women’s game, and English football in general. Her commitment to what we are trying to do to grow the grass roots for all and promote the Lionesses player pathway is there for all to see. Sarina is an inspiration to so many at home and abroad, and it is great that her time with us at Wembley and St. George’s Park will continue.”
Wiegman’s side have missed out on the summer’s Olympics on behalf of Team GB and narrowly missed out on a place in February’s Nations League finals, so their next action will be in February, when they play to play friendlies overseas, before their campaign to qualify for 2025’s European Championship begins.
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