Sarina Wiegman: England Women manager admits she 'never expected it to be like this' after receiving Football Writers' Association tribute award
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman speaks about being surprised by the love she has received since being in the job; the Dutch coach has led England to back-to-back European Championship glory and is aiming for the upcoming World Cup
Monday 26 January 2026 18:16, UK
Sarina Wiegman admits to being taken aback by the love and recognition she has received since leading England to their second European Championship.
The Dutch head coach has been bestowed with honours since guiding the Lionesses to a dramatic tournament victory in Switzerland last summer, something she is still getting used to.
"It's been a bit overwhelming," Wiegman told Sky Sports at the Football Writers' Association tribute evening.
"We've felt so much recognition, that was so nice. You can really feel the appreciation.
"It's incredible. When I came here in 2021 I never expected it to be like this. It's been so special. To be so accepted here and the journey we've been on, to be an honourary dame, is hard to describe what an honour it is."
Wiegman could not quite believe it when she received a call from the British Ambassador to the Netherlands at the end of last year confirming her exalted place on the New Year Honours List.
It is something she wishes she could share with the people that have played a role in her coaching journey.
"It makes it so special. We've done well but so much work has gone into the last 10, 20 years by people that haven't been visible. They paved the way and we've continued that with incredible people and incredible staff," she added.
"We've been accepted and people appreciate you being here and enjoy me being here. It gives me an incredible feeling."
The time for celebrating and receiving accolades is almost over and Wiegman cannot wait to get back to football again.
She has been planning ahead of England's difficult World Cup qualifiers, which kick-off in March.
The Lionesses are in a tough group with Iceland, Ukraine and world champions Spain just months after the Euros final in Basel.
"With the qualities we have, if we're at our best we should qualify for the World Cup," said Wiegman.
"We have different scenarios, we're going out there to win every game but we know that's very difficult. It's very hard to top the group.
"The team's in a good place, most of the players are. I can feel everyone's ready to get started again. We have to qualify first. We've started a new cycle playing games against Ukraine and Iceland, who I haven't faced with England.
"We've also got Spain, we can't get rid of each other. I'm also excited to look ahead longer term but not taking for granted qualifying."
England won the Euros the hard way with extra-time and penalties needed to secure them their second European title.
With only the top team in the group automatically qualifying for Brazil 2027, she will be hoping for a less dramatic path to the next summer's tournament.
