MX23RW : Friday, December 20 11:10:42| >> :600:169106:169106:

Five interesting things about the new England Women's head coach Sarina Wiegman

Five interesting things about the new England Women's head coach
© Reuters
Sarina Wiegman has impressed as a player and manager.

Sarina Wiegman has been named Phil Neville's successor as England Women's head coach.

The 50-year-old, currently in charge of Holland Women, will take up her new role next September.

Here, the PA news agency picks out five things you may not know about the next Lionesses boss.

International class, time and again

As a player Wiegman was a renowned central midfielder and, towards the end of her career, a defender. She became the first player to reach 100 caps for Holland, eventually amassing 104. The next to earn a century of caps was Frank De Boer.

Netherlands v England – UEFA Women's Euro 2017 – Semi Final – De Grolsch Veste
Wiegman, right, replaces Phil Neville as Lionesses boss (Mike Egerton/PA)

American appointment

Wiegman spent a year playing for North Carolina in 1989. Her coach was Anson Dorrance, who went on to lead the United States to their first Women's World Cup triumph in 1991.

Advocaat started the international ball rolling

In May 1987, at the age of 17, Wiegman made her Holland debut in an away match against Norway. The manager at the time was Dick Advocaat, in what was his only match in charge.

Manchester United v Fenerbahce – UEFA Europa League – Group A – Old Trafford
Dick Advocaat gave Wiegman her Holland debut (Martin Rickett/PA)

Impressing on the big stage

Under Wiegman, Holland won the 2017 European Championship, as hosts. They also reached the 2019 World Cup final, in only their second appearance at the tournament. They were beaten 2-0 by hosts the USA but returned home as heroines.

USA v Netherlands – FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 – Final – Stade de Lyon
Holland were beaten in the 2019 World Cup final (PA Wire/PA)

Smart enough for Sparta

Wiegman was the first woman to coach with a men's professional club in her homeland following a season-long spell as an assistant with Sparta Rotterdam in 2016.

ID:410292: cacheID:410292:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:6250:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Lucy Staniforth pictured for England in June 2019
Read Next:
England international Lucy Staniforth joins Manchester United on two-year deal
>
Read more about Sarina Wiegman Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Broncos
27-34
Chargers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!