When England’s Lionesses kick off Euro 2022 in front of a sold-out Old Trafford there is a standout reason why they might just win it – the “brutal” boss who has already won the competition once before.
Sarina Wiegman guided her native Netherlands side to victory in the 2017 Euros and as England manager she’s credited with assembling a squad that’s among the favourites for this summer’s tournament.
Her side will kick off against Austria in front of over 70,000 fans in Manchester on Wednesday night.
“Sarina for me is a phenomenal coach,” forward Bethany England told Sky News.
“She’s been there, she’s done it as a player and a coach….and I can’t wait to see where she is going to take us.”
The Chelsea star singles out Wiegman’s ruthless streak as a huge advantage for the Lionesses.
“Obviously she is someone who is used to winning and she drives us every day, she expects high standards.
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“She tells us when things aren’t right, and she is not shy to be savage and brutal when she needs to, but I think you need that in this environment.”
Her Chelsea team-mate Jess Carter is equally upbeat about their chances under Wiegman. She told Sky News: “She brings a really calming presence and she brings clarity to the team.
“She has showed previously what she can do….I think she is the best fit for us to try and make the nation proud.
“We are energised, we are ready go, and we can’t wait to hear the crowd at that first game.”
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‘I’m knee sliding the whole pitch’
Manchester United forward Ella Toone is one of the younger faces in the squad and is hoping Wiegman gives her an opportunity to make an impact in front of her home fans at Old Trafford.
“No matter where I am scoring, I’m running to the Stretford End….I am knee sliding the whole pitch,” she joked about the prospect of getting off the mark in the opening game.
Toone also credits Wiegman for the optimism in the camp: “She’s been there and done it.
“We have really bonded as a group…we want to step out onto the pitch and play for each other, she has really come in and set that (mentality) and we have really bought into it.”
A record half a million tickets have been sold so far for the tournament which is spread around 10 venues in England.
Northern Ireland have also qualified for the finals and despite being ranked 47th in the world they have vowed to give their all to try and make an impact at the tournament.
