England women's football manager Sarina Wiegman has declared that World Cup glory remains her ultimate "driving force" as she looks ahead to future challenges with the Lionesses, following her receipt of a prestigious football award.
Prestigious Recognition for Transformative Manager
Sarina Wiegman was honoured with the Football Writers' Association's Tribute Award on Sunday evening, recognising her remarkable achievements in transforming English women's football. The 56-year-old Dutch coach has become an integral part of English football culture, leading the Lionesses to consecutive European Championship victories and receiving honorary damehood for her services to the sport.
Wiegman expressed profound gratitude for the award, which has previously been bestowed upon football legends including Dennis Bergkamp, Gareth Southgate and Jose Mourinho. "I feel so proud and grateful to receive this trophy," she said, acknowledging the significance of joining such esteemed company in football history.
World Cup Ambitions Take Centre Stage
Despite her considerable achievements, Wiegman's focus remains firmly fixed on the future, with next year's World Cup in Brazil representing her next major challenge. The England manager is determined to go one better than the Lionesses' 2023 final defeat, describing the pursuit of global success as her primary motivation.
"Yeah, that really drives me," Wiegman stated emphatically. "Winning games is the job, that's the main goal. But how we get there requires focusing on what we can control - being at our best, being the best prepared and the best bonded team. That's what we're working on every single day."
The experienced coach reflected on the fine margins in tournament football, recalling how close England came to elimination during last summer's quarter-final. "We've seen how close it is to win or lose," she observed. "Where can you find that edge to just make it happen? You need to be at your best, best connected, and sometimes you need a little bit of luck too."
Building on Historic Success
Wiegman's tenure has already rewritten English football history. After leading her native Netherlands to European glory in 2017, she repeated the feat with England in 2022, followed by another triumphant Euros campaign. The dramatic victory over Spain in the final created what she describes as an unforgettable moment in English sporting history.
"When the final whistle went at Wembley, I will never, ever forget that moment," Wiegman recalled with evident emotion. "The excitement and joy that people had in the stands, people crying, everyone talking about '66. We broke through a ceiling with the women's game, but also for England football. That was so special."
She believes this success has created a powerful legacy for women's football throughout the country, inspiring a new generation of players and fans while changing perceptions about what's possible in the women's game.
Personal Recognition and Team Ethos
The recent award follows Wiegman's inclusion in the New Year's Honours List, where she was made an honorary Dame for her services to football. She revealed that a phone call from England captain Leah Williamson made the honour feel particularly meaningful.
"It felt a little bit surreal, to be honest," Wiegman admitted. "Leah called me when I was out and said she wanted to call rather than text because it was so special. She gave me a huge compliment that I really appreciated. That made it even more special that your captain gives you a call and says: 'Well, Sarina, this is really, really special.'"
Despite the personal accolades, Wiegman remains characteristically modest, emphasising the collective effort behind her success. "It's all about the team," she insisted. "There are so many people who have worked for years and years, some longer than others, who paved the way for us. I'm the lucky one that stepped in at the right moment."
Wiegman received the FWA Tribute Award from association chair John Cross at London's Landmark Hotel, adding another prestigious honour to her growing collection as she continues to shape the future of English football while keeping her sights firmly set on World Cup glory in Brazil.
