Former England international Lianne Sanderson has reflected on the seismic transformation of women's football since her retirement seven years ago, praising the "blunt" management of Sarina Wiegman and highlighting how increased visibility is driving the sport forward.
The Wiegman Effect: Clarity and Success
Sanderson, who won 50 caps for England and lifted major trophies with Arsenal, credits current Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman as a major catalyst for the team's historic back-to-back European Championship wins. The pundit admits she wishes she could have played under the Dutch coach.
"I just wish I played for Sarina Wiegman because she's the type of coach that, you know, Dutch culture is quite blunt anyway, and I love that about them," Sanderson told the Mirror. "To the point, players know their roles and responsibilities. You might not like it, but you have to respect it because she's been open and honest."
The Visibility Revolution: From Teletext to Live Streams
According to Sanderson, the single biggest change in the women's game is the sheer availability of matches for fans to watch. She contrasts the current landscape, where every Women's Super League (WSL) game is broadcast live, with her playing days when often only the FA Cup final was televised.
"I think it's the visibility," she stated. "You know, TV companies, radio companies, people being able to visibly see the games and can make their own judgments on players. I think that was lacking."
She used the example of former Arsenal midfielder Jayne Ludlow, a player she describes as "great" but who was rarely seen by the wider public. "Keira Walsh, similar type of player, leads by example, gets everything she deserves because people can see the games," Sanderson explained. "Not everyone's just looking at, 'Oh, who scored?'"
Addressing Growth and Ensuring Depth
While celebrating the sport's progress, Sanderson also addressed recent challenges, including a 10% drop in WSL attendances last season. She suggested the absence of a Team GB football team at the 2024 Paris Olympics may have had a "domino effect" on domestic interest.
Looking ahead, she emphasised the need for broader coverage beyond the league's top clubs. "I want to see the lower teams getting a little bit more kind of credit, more kind of eyes on them," she said, also calling for more attention on the competitive Championship tier below the WSL.
With a joint UK and Ireland bid for the 2035 Women's World Cup on the horizon, Sanderson believes the infrastructure and public appetite are now in place. "I think we're better equipped now," she said, referencing the new levels of fame and security required for players after their Euros triumph.
Sanderson concluded on an optimistic note, moved by the crowds that celebrated the Lionesses' successes. "I just feel so emotional when I see all these crowds," she said, while cautiously managing expectations for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. The foundation, however, is stronger than ever.
