Sarina Wiegman declared that England are "prepared" for Euro 2025 and will give their all "to defend" the title. Speaking ahead of their much-anticipated opening match against France, the Dutch tactician made it clear that the Lionesses are focused, well-drilled, and determined to retain the European crown they won in 2022.
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England ready for Euro challenge Wiegman confident of success with the LionessesTricky opener against France on the cardsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images/GOALWHAT HAPPENED?
Wiegman has already carved out a storied chapter in English football history. She guided England to their first major international title at Euro 2022 and then to the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they narrowly missed out on global glory. Her achievements earned her a contract extension with the English FA, keeping her in charge until at least 2027, a signal of the trust placed in her by the national federation.
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As the Lionesses wrapped up their final training session ahead of Saturday’s clash, Wiegman expressed her satisfaction with how things have come together in the lead-up to the tournament.
"The team looks really good, I think we are ready, we had our last session this morning and everyone came through well," she told reporters. "I think we had some good weeks where we trained, we could do some tactics and I think we are very well prepared. We are ready to defend our title. You see the bonding. We have worked really, really hard and I definitely think we are ready to go tomorrow."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Since taking the reins in 2021, Wiegman has grown fond not just of her players, but of England itself. She has embraced the country’s culture and its passionate footballing identity.
“I really like the culture [in England]. It’s such a massive sports culture in England," she said. "And in the Netherlands, it’s also a sport culture, but here, at every corner, the whole day on TV, for example, there’s sports, either football or rugby or cricket. And if that’s not there, then there’s something else, but there’s always sports and football is so in society.”
DID YOU KNOW?
While Wiegman remains focused on the current campaign, she admitted she isn’t looking too far beyond her current contract, despite the speculation that she could one day return to club football or lead another national side.
“I’m now really focusing on this tournament,” she replied. “I don’t want to look any further [than her contract length]. You never know what happens in life. Things can change quickly and in your personal life, too. So I just feel that I just love to work with this team. I love to work in England with the FA and I hope that stays for a little bit longer.”
