Sarina Wiegman Addresses England Future as Lionesses Eye World Cup Success
Sarina Wiegman, the highly successful head coach of the England Women's national team, has publicly addressed the status of her contract negotiations while firmly asserting that these discussions will not derail the Lionesses' immediate focus on securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. Wiegman, whose current deal is scheduled to conclude at the end of next year's tournament in Brazil, confirmed that talks regarding a potential extension are actively progressing.
Contract Talks in Progress but Not a Priority
"No update. It's pretty far away. We are in conversations all the time and we're still very happy from both sides," Wiegman stated during her squad announcement for the upcoming qualification matches against Ukraine and Iceland. She emphasised the secondary nature of these talks compared to the team's primary objective. "There is no distraction whatsoever. We want to really focus on this qualification. We want to qualify and the best possible way is to do that in June. We're going for that and let's first do that."
Wiegman, who has masterminded consecutive European Championship triumphs for England, signed her existing contract just over a year ago. While she indicated in December that detailed discussions had not yet commenced, the 56-year-old Dutch coach now confirms that dialogue is underway, though she stresses that the distant timeline of the contract's expiration keeps it from becoming a pressing concern.
Squad Announcement Brings Returns and New Faces
The squad for the crucial qualification fixtures sees the highly anticipated return of captain Leah Williamson. The Arsenal defender missed recent friendly victories over China, Ghana, and Australia, as well as a defeat to Brazil late last year, due to injury. Her leadership and defensive solidity are expected to bolster the team significantly.
Other established stars included in the selection are Chelsea's dynamic forward Lauren James, Manchester City's experienced defender Alex Greenwood, and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. However, the team will be without key attackers Beth Mead and Ella Toone, both sidelined with injuries. Wiegman acknowledged the challenge posed by these absences.
"Of course you want them (Mead and Toone) in the team," Wiegman said. "You know you have seen in all of the camps we have had, players have lots of games, very high level and there are always a couple of players who are injured who we can't bring in. That's part of our football life too."
She added a note of pragmatic optimism: "You just have to move on and hopefully the players get fit soon and we have more options. The more options the better it is for us and the harder to make the right decisions. It's part of life now and hopefully for the players, they get fit quick. There is a little bit of a puzzle at the moment but at the same time I think we have enough players in the squad to play good games and to have players on the pitch who are fit and can perform at the highest level."
Poppy Pattinson Earns Maiden Senior Call-Up
In a notable development, London City Lionesses' left-back Poppy Pattinson has received her first senior England call-up. Wiegman expressed her admiration for the defender's recent performances. "I think she had some good performances, a left-back who is very proactive across the whole wing, takes a lot of initiative and in possession she really wants to play forward. I liked her performances. She was really excited by the call-up."
This inclusion highlights Wiegman's willingness to integrate emerging talent as the team builds depth for the demanding qualification campaign and beyond.
Unwavering Focus on World Cup Qualification
Despite the backdrop of contract discussions and squad adjustments, Wiegman's message remains unequivocal: the absolute priority is securing England's place at the 2027 World Cup. The qualification matches against Ukraine and Iceland represent the first critical steps on that journey. With a blend of returning experience, established stars, and promising new talent, the Lionesses are poised to channel all their energy into achieving immediate success on the pitch, ensuring that off-field matters do not compromise their pursuit of global glory.
