Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman is confident that England’s men are well aware of what it takes to clinch victory in Euro 2024, and she believes they have what it takes to “bring it home.”
Having previously guided the Netherlands to European success in 2017 and achieving the same feat with England in 2022, Wiegman watched alongside her players as Gareth Southgate’s team defeated her home country 2-1 in the semi-finals on Wednesday evening at a hotel in Norwich.
Despite the emotional strain of seeing her “orange heart” pained by the loss, Wiegman is fully backing England to triumph over Spain in the final on Sunday in Berlin at 8pm BST.
“They know exactly what they have to do. It is their second [Euros] final, which is incredible,” said Wiegman.
“I just wish them all the best and in England you would say, ‘let’s bring it home’.
“We all know that football worldwide is the biggest sport. In England it’s on a different level [which I saw] since I came in and worked here.
“It’s so deep in society and the people support it so much. It’s incredible. I never, ever take it for granted. I think the whole country should be very proud of what the England men do.
“It’s not easy – that’s what we’ve seen too. It’s good to be English at the moment.”
Success makes us ‘relive special moments’
Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp joined in supporting the men’s team as the Lionesses geared up for their Euro 2025 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland on Friday (8pm BST).
Wiegman’s squad must secure their place in next year’s tournament in Switzerland to defend their European title.
Despite being the sole English team to win a senior major trophy since the men’s team claimed the World Cup in 1966, Hemp emphasized that the men “are well-equipped without our guidance”.
“They are on a journey themselves, they know what’s needed to win. They’re all very experienced players,” she added.
“Loads of those players have been in Champions League finals, many different finals, so I don’t think we need to give them any advice but obviously we’re all rooting for them and wish them the best.
“When we won the Euros it was probably the best day of my life to date. We want to do the same thing next year.
“It’s so nice to see the men’s team at the moment and it does make us relive those special moments.”