The current Dutch head coach will take over the lionesses in September 2021 after the planned Olympic Games in Tokyo
Sarina Wiegman has signed a four-year contract to replace Phil Neville as England head coach starting in September 2021.
The 50-year-old’s appointment was announced on Friday in anticipation of Neville’s departure, which will come in July 2021 after his contract expires.
Wiegman will take over after leading the Netherlands in the Tokyo Olympics, which have been postponed for next July due to the effects of Covid-19.
She will lead the lionesses to the upcoming Euros in 2022, which England will host, as well as to the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and the 2025 Euros.
Wiegman, however, will not take over the GB team, which will fly to Japan next year – or a team at the 2024 Olympics if Team GB should qualify.
“I’m excited and honored to come to England Women next year,” she said.
“England is the cradle of football and the most important developments in women’s football around the world in recent years have been led by The FA. I am very much looking forward to bringing my experience and expertise to this ambitious team.
“The ride with the ‘Oranje Lionesses’ has been fantastic so far, but we have not yet reached our final destination. There are two other goals: qualifying for the UEFA Women’s EURO in 2022 and challenging the Olympic Games in next summer, that would be a fitting addition to anything we wanted to achieve in women’s football in my home country.
“I am extremely excited about the prospect of leading the women in England in the future, but for now my focus is one hundred percent on Oranje. I will do my best to add another chapter to their remarkable journey before I take my next step. “
FA Director of Women’s Football Sue Campbell added: “It speaks volumes about the progress made by English women in recent years and the bold ambitions we have for the future that so many world-class candidates have applied for the role to have.
“Sarina was our first choice. She fits us perfectly, which is crucial for building a successful team. Her technical know-how, her leadership qualities and her successful mentality are extremely impressive.
“I am confident that, together with our incredible support staff and ambitious, talented staff, she can help us achieve the international success we are striving for.
“Sarina will also be a great ambassador for the FA and the women’s game in England and share our desire to inspire the next generation of English players, coaches, administrators and supporters.”
Wiegman led the Netherlands to fame at their home Euros in 2017 when they beat Denmark 4-2 in the final. She then coached the team until the final of the 2019 World Cup, where they were beaten 2-0 by the USA.
The former Dutch international, who made more than 100 appearances for her country between 1987 and 2001, had become one of the front runners who took Neville’s position in the past few weeks along with former USWNT coach Jill Ellis, who was one of the big names linked for the job for some time.
In April it was announced that Neville would leave his position after his contract expired. The former Manchester United defender took office in January 2018 and led England to the semi-finals of the World Cup in France last year.
The FA has yet to confirm the coach, who will lead Team GB, with a statement: “The FA will now renew its dialogue with the home nations about the postponed Olympic Games in Tokyo in July 2021 and the 2024 Games and a decision on Team GB’s head coach for next year will be announced in due course. “
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