Sarina’s people skills make her a worthy Southgate successor
TO BE stood pitchside at Wembley last summer watching the Lionesses beat Germany to win the European Championship in front of nearly 90,000 fans was something special. But to be crowned world champions little more than 12 months later would catapult this team — and women’s football in England — into another stratosphere. England could then finally stop talking about 1966 being the last time the side won the World Cup. This Lionesses team have already inspired a younger generation of girls and boys, but beating Spain to go all the way would be the ultimate tribute to their progress under Sarina Wiegman.
What I love about these players is their collective desire and Sarina has to take huge credit for that. Being out here in Sydney, and speaking to some of the girls I played against, they all reference the mentality of the Lionesses.
Sarina has given them an American mentality where we think we’re untouchable and go out expecting to win.
There is amazing talent in England but probably never had a manager who could sew it all together until Sarina came along. She is now being talked about as a potential successor to Gareth Southgate.
Can I see that happening? One hundred per cent. Sarina’s a phenomenal coach and whether she’s managing male or female players, gender doesn’t really matter. It’s about people skills and how you manage players and she’s proved that she can do that.
Sarina has taken Holland and England to back-to-back European Championship and World Cup finals. I said it when England won the Euros last summer that she was one of the best managers in the world and I’ll say it again now.
It doesn’t surprise me that the FA are considering her to succeed Southgate because it’s a job she could definitely do. With this Lionesses team, it’s not about individuals but a maturity and a mentality which is unbreakable.
That togetherness has really stood out for me and the way they can win games even when they’re not playing well.
It has to be remembered that the spine of last year’s Euros-winning side — Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby and Beth Mead — have missed this World Cup through injury.
Yet England have reached the final and players who have come in have really stepped up. Take Ella Toone, who has become the first male or female England player to have scored in a quarter-final, semi-final and final of a major tournament.
Obviously she thrives in these big moments and I really like the partnership between Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp up front. They are both willing runners off the ball and really complement each other in terms of their movement. It was genius by Sarina to get someone close to Russo and really bring her alive in the tournament.
In terms of possible changes, Lauren James is available again after suspension and I would bring her back into the starting lineup. It’s really difficult to drop anyone after the performance against the Matildas but I know how highly Sarina and her coaching staff value Lauren.
Who she replaces I don’t know, but as one of our best players she has to start because you only get one chance to get it right in a final.
I spoke to Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze after the Australia game and they are really excited and focused.
They know this Lionesses team can now achieve true greatness.
Coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup final is live on BBC One & BBC iPlayer from 10am this morning. Fara Williams will provide punditry alongside Alex Scott, Ellen White and Jonas Eidevall.