Sarina Wiegman said if England were to win Euro 2022 on Sunday, she might not realize the impact it could have until “probably 15 years later”. The Lionesses will be bidding to win their first major trophy against Germany at Wembley Stadium, having lost in the Euro finals in 1984 and 2009. Success would “make all the difference”, Wiegman added, as the women’s game continues to grow in England. “I think we have already been an inspiration to the country,” he said. Wiegman, who led the Netherlands to Euro 2017 glory, added: “You know when you win a big tournament it really makes a difference and that would make me very proud. But I don’t think more than that. “Most of the time you don’t realize the impact until 15 years later.” Having lost on penalties to Sweden 38 years ago, England’s previous appearance in a Euro final was in 2009 when they were beaten 6-2 by Germany. Before their Arnold Clark Cup win in February, they had not beaten Germany at home – so could a long-standing rivalry in the game now swing in England’s favour? “I don’t know what a perfect game is because whoever is in front of us, we want to beat. We really want to win the final,” Wiegman said. “We want so much to show again how good we are and play our best game. Hopefully that will bring us the win. We talk about their players but not about history.” England’s performances so far have been impressive – they thrashed Norway 8-0, came from behind to beat pre-tournament favorites Spain in the quarter-finals, before seeing off world number two Sweden four times in the semi-finals . They have celebrated wildly with the home crowd after each win, dancing and singing the songs ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘Freed from Desire’. “I expected the crowds to be like this,” Wiegman added. “I knew when we were winning and getting to the knockouts, people would get really, really excited. “That’s really great. But I also think the team played so hard. The team cohesion was contagious and people like that. “If you’re playing in big stadiums and they’re sold out, then it’s going to be really exciting. The stadiums here are so beautiful and beautiful – that’s England.” Having guided the Netherlands to victory five years ago on home soil, she could become the first manager to win the Women’s Euro with two different countries. “When I started my coaching career I didn’t even know it was possible to be a full-time coach,” added Wiegman. “I’m very aware of where we’ve come in the women’s game and where we are now. I just really enjoy it and feel very privileged to have been a part of this journey from a young child to now.”
“I had to have a strong personality”
Sarina Wiegman won Euro 2017 with the Netherlands on home soil The Dutchwoman was the driving force behind England’s Euro 2022 success but had to struggle to play football as a young lady. Wiegman said she was “strongly opinionated” as a child, which helped her stand up to those who said girls shouldn’t play the game. She added: “I wasn’t very quiet at school, I had a strong opinion. Later, I was a bit more introverted. “When I was young, football wasn’t really accepted [for girls] Yet. I’ve had it so many times where people would tell me “girls shouldn’t do that, that’s not very cool”. I just didn’t care. “I think I should have had a strong personality or I would have dropped out.” Wiegman is now known for her calmness and composure. She meditates and does yoga almost every day. “I just make sure to do all those things and stay calm,” she said. “We are so well prepared, so that gives me peace of mind as well. I know we have done everything in our control. “It may bring us victory or it may not, but we know we’ve done everything under our control and that’s OK.” That calmness in her personality came over time, and Wiegman said the main thing she learned from her coaching journey is who she is. “This takes time,” he added. “You need confidence to make choices. I was a teacher in my first job before coaching. “When I started there were so many things that got in my way and I had to learn more about myself. You learn your strengths and weaknesses. “Over time you gain so much experience that you trust yourself. You know you did the right thing, no matter what the reaction of the person you’re facing is.”
