Sarina Wiegman has paid tribute to ‘incredible’ Gareth Southgate but insists she does not want to replace him as manager of the England men’s team.
The Lionesses boss has consistently been touted to make the switch to the men’s team following her remarkable success with the women’s side.
Since taking charge in 2021, Wiegman has won 39 of her 53 games, reached the final of the 2023 World Cup and won Euro 2022 – the only time other than 1966 that an England team has won a major trophy.
And following Southgate’s decision to resign on Tuesday, following defeat in the Euro 2024 final, her name has once again cropped up as a potential replacement.
While it would seem far-fetched, some reports claim that the 54-year-old is on the FA’s shortlist of candidates alongside the likes of Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Lee Carsley and Mauricio Pochettino.
But even if that is true, Wiegman has made it clear she is not interested in the role at this present time, not surprising given that the Lionesses have just qualified for Euro 2025.
Speaking after their goalless draw with Sweden that their booked their place at the tournament, Wiegman was asked about the links to the England men’s job.
Next England manager odds:
Eddie Howe: 5/2
Graham Potter: 3/1
Lee Carsley: 7/2
Jurgen Klopp: 17/2
Mauricio Pochettino: 9/1
Thomas Tuchel: 18/1
Frank Lampard, Marcelo Bielsa: 20/1
Sarina Wiegman, Michael Carrick, Ralf Rangnick: 33/1
Odds courtesy of Betfair
She bluntly replied: ‘I think it’s really inappropriate to have that conversation. I’m with the Lionesses and very happy.’
Wiegman did pay an emotional tribute to Southgate however, admitting to ITV that she was ‘sad’ to see him depart after eight fantastic years in charge of the Three Lions.
‘He is such a nice person and a great coach. We wouldn’t see each other all the time but when we do see each other it’s very nice and we send messages.
GARETH SOUTHGATE’S ENGLAND STATEMENT
‘As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all,’ Southgate said in a statement on the FA website.
‘But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.
‘I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.
‘I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.
‘I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.
‘The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of.
‘I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George’s Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football, and understand the power football has to drive positive change.’
Southgate added: ‘My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.
‘We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be.
‘I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.
‘Thank you, England – for everything.’
“What he has done for England Football is really incredible. Of course they made the final now and in the last Euros too.
‘He can be very, very proud of himself. England is very proud of him and me as a Dutch, I’m very proud of him too.’
As reigning champions, the Lionesses will be one of the favourites for Euro 2025 but they looked far from their best against Sweden, though Wiegman is confident her side will be ready.
‘We need a year [to hit top form],’ she added.
‘You see moments we played really well. We want to do that longer and also when the pressure goes up.
‘I am very happy. I take many positives. This game and against France showed in moments we played so good, we just want to keep up.’
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