Never before had the FA appointed a women’s manager with an established international pedigree, let alone one with major tournament-winning credentials. The risk was shared by all parties. Anticipation immediately rose, and with just 10 short months to embed a completely new philosophy ahead of a European Championship in front of the home crowd, the decision had to be the right one. Wiegman herself had to weigh up leaving her Dutch homeland and a team she had guided to continental success in 2017, in favor of managing abroad for the first time and implementing her European strategy at a side previously overseen only by English coaches. – a short interim period in 2021 is prohibited. The appointment made her the first non-British permanent Lionesses manager, at a time when investment in the domestic game had overtaken the idea that England’s women could compete in international tournaments but were never really discussed as legitimate contenders for silverware. The tension, at times, was palpable and Holland gave the 7.9 million viewers who tuned in to England’s quarter-final win over Spain a brief taste of what utter relief looks like at the final whistle. But even then, the celebrations were momentary — a fleeting wave of emotion that was quickly dispelled by pragmatism in her post-match press conference. Wiegman is often underrated, both in front of and behind the camera. It is a behavior that demands respect. A proverbial glass ceiling has already been shattered by England this summer. Sunday’s final, if they emerge victorious, would demolish it completely. This was Wiegman’s directive. Take England from a team on the periphery of realizing their seismic potential and put them front and center for success on the biggest stages. Image: England manager Sarina Wiegman hugs Keira Walsh at the end of their Euro 2022 semi-final win England’s pioneering tournament She’s been carrying that mantle ever since she stepped into the role, but what followed has certainly surpassed even her own projections. The former ADO Den Haag boss has turned England’s traditionally gloomy summer forecast into one full of memorable moments that have lit up pitches up and down the country – even as the weather has done its best to dampen the occasion. Generations of football fans, male and female, young and old, will talk about the night the Lionesses tore up the European record books by dismantling Norway 8-0. They will be delighted with Georgia Stanway’s enthusiasm in extra time against the Spaniards. And they will forever revere the audacity of Alessia Russo’s inspired back-heel finish against Sweden – a moment that perfectly summed up the impressive nature of the 23-year-old’s explosive tournament. In fact, this is England’s breakthrough tournament under Wiegman. Here they announce that they have a permanent place at the European top table. So has the recovery in England’s fortunes been engineered by a genius tactician, or has their plight been opportunistic, driven by a convergence of favorable circumstances at the right time? Or both? A bold tactician who breaks the archaic routine There is no doubt that the 52-year-old’s influence on this team has been transformative. She remained firm in her belief that England are “ready to make history” and become the first women’s team – only the second English national team – to lift a major trophy. Based on recent evidence, who can argue? Her approach is like no other. Makes bold, unwavering decisions that benefit the team’s growth even if they attract scrutiny. Ex-captain Steph Houghton’s removal from her 23-man squad before the start of the tournament epitomized her feelings towards sentimentality. Old England teams, both men’s and women’s, have been accused of sticking to what they know – the archaic routine. Not Sarina. Nine of its Euro selections had never played a second in major football before July 6. Picture: The Lionesses beat Sweden 4-0 in their semi-final at Bramall Lane in Sheffield She has endeared herself to the nation by keeping her promise. There are no gimmicks, PR tricks, clever rhetoric to win over the masses. He wants to win football matches by playing a brand of football that entertains crowds, inspires younger generations and leaves a lasting mark on the fabric of the football community. “We said before the tournament and throughout the tournament that we want to inspire the nation, I think that’s what we’re doing and we’re making a difference. The whole country is proud of us,” he said after Tuesday’s win over Sweden. Her words are unmistakable and the impact she has with this team is creating a legacy. A 19-match unbeaten run contributed to that – and if match number 20 is crowned with European glory at Wembley Stadium, then her name will be written in English folklore in permanent black ink. Wiegman’s winning formula Unafraid of scrutiny – it comes with the job – Wiegman has named an unchanged starting line-up in all five of England’s games en route to the final. If he continues this form again on Sunday, he will become the first manager in Euro history to name the same starting XI in every game – men’s or women’s. When he led the Netherlands to major finals in 2017 and 2019, he made three and five changes to the starting XIs respectively. When the Dutch were crowned champions on the pitch five years ago, he used just 13 players throughout the tournament. It comes straight from her manager. He favors consistency, but more importantly, he knows how to orchestrate this England team. The age-old adage applies: “Never change a winning team.” But that is not why England has remained unchanged. It’s because Wiegman has absolute faith in the responsibility placed on each player, and their value is not worth more or less off the bench. Actually, it’s because every single one of Russo’s introductions has been so impressive that she can’t begin. Image: England’s Alecia Russo scores with a heel against Sweden in the semi-final Her title role is “super sub” and she plays it to perfection. Don’t forget that Ellen White has hit the ground running for an hour, displacing defenders and challenging their position at every turn, before Russo’s timely arrival. This is the strategy and it works. Plans B, C, and D are all well-tried and can be unleashed at any time. Individuals are thriving, including Golden Boot contender Beth Mead, who was dropped from previous Lionesses and Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics due to a perceived lack of form. When asked about Wiegman’s influence, Euro 2022 top scorer Mead replied: “He brought such a great environment and culture to the team. There’s a lot of clarity in the way we played.” And it is this identity that has benefited England so much. Image: England’s Alessia Russo celebrates with Alex Greenwood, Millie Bright and Lauren Hemp Wiegman’s “no-nonsense” approach also helped build more confidence in returns, midfielder Kiera Walsh explained recently. The focus is always on England’s strengths, not the opposition. That belief has permeated all of England’s performances in this tournament, so much so that pundits and bookies had the Lionesses as favorites to see off the second best FIFA team in the world, Sweden. They did it in style. Their pressing game has also improved, a hallmark of Wiegman’s continental upbringing. White and Meade were both the beneficiaries of a high press that led to a change of possession and a goal soon after, notably against Norway. Russo’s strike against Sweden – a moment of solo magic – was possible because Walsh won the ball deep in Swedish territory before feeding Fran Kirby, who in turn found the fearless feet of the Man United striker. This side is full of technicians. Unfazed by the weight of expectation, England have never been better placed to cap off a momentous summer of football with a winner’s medal and their first major honor tomorrow. However, the camp is relaxed. This is the very foundation of Dutch principles and, collectively, the team believes in this process. Wiegman has turned this team into a hotly tipped tournament favorite in less than a year, and he knows all too well how to handle the pressure amplified by the home team’s hysteria. If this can be achieved in less than 12 months, every Lionesses fan has a right to be wildly optimistic about what the future holds. Football may well be on the verge of coming home.
