English media have agreed that England women’s national team coach Sarina Wiegman is a strong candidate to take over as manager of the men’s national team following Gareth Southgate’s departure.
After Southgate announced his departure two days ago, England have been linked with a number of top coaches, including Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Graham Potter, Eddie Howe, Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino.
However, the latest news suggests that the women’s national team coach has an edge over all of these names, as she enjoys great confidence from the FA, who are seriously considering making her the first female national team coach in history.
The 54-year-old has won the European Women’s Championship 2022, the Finalissima 2023 (match between the European and South American champions) and finished second at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Wiegman commented on the possibility of coaching the men’s national team to the Mirror newspaper, saying: “I think it is inappropriate to have such a conversation… I am very happy in my current position leading the women’s national team.”
The Dutch coach’s contract with England Women runs until the summer of 2027, and the final decision on whether or not to promote her to succeed Southgate is expected to be made next month at the latest, before the start of the men’s UEFA Nations League in September.
