England women's national team manager Sarina Wiegman has signed a contract extension that will keep her in charge until the conclusion of the 2029 UEFA Women's European
Championship, the Football Association (FA) announced on Monday.
The Dutch coach, who took over the Lionesses in September 2021, has established herself as one of the most successful managers in the history of the England women's team. Under her leadership, England secured their first major international trophy by winning Euro 2022 on home soil before successfully defending their European title three years later.
Wiegman also guided England to the final of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand. The Lionesses finished runners-up after losing to Spain, narrowly missing out on becoming world champions.
Speaking after the announcement of her new deal, the 56-year-old said she was delighted to continue working with the squad and expressed confidence in the team's future prospects.
"I am so happy to be able to carry on with this squad and cannot think of a better job in football," Wiegman said.
However, England's immediate priority is securing qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. The Lionesses have yet to book their place at the tournament and are preparing for a two-legged playoff against Ukraine, scheduled for November and December.
The outcome of the tie will determine whether England can compete at the next World Cup, adding significant importance to the closing stages of the team's current qualifying campaign.
Wiegman stressed that reaching the tournament remains her principal objective, despite the long-term commitment secured through her contract extension.
"Anyone who knows me will understand that my main concern right now is absolutely the World Cup and helping this squad realise their potential in the years to come," she said.
The England manager added that the team must first complete the task of qualifying for Brazil, expressing hope that the Lionesses would deliver another memorable summer for supporters.
"We have an important job to do to confirm our place in Brazil and hopefully we can do that and give the country another special summer to remember next year," Wiegman said.
The contract extension provides continuity for England as the team seeks to maintain its position among the leading sides in international women's football. With two consecutive European Championship victories and a World Cup final appearance already behind them under Wiegman's leadership, expectations will remain high as the Lionesses prepare for their next major challenge. Photo by James Boyes from UK, Wikimedia commons.
