MX23RW : Saturday, November 23 22:44:47| >> :600:275802:275802:

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:
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
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Crystal Palace121561017-78
19Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
20Southampton11119721-144


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!