Sarina Wiegman: From PE teacher to managing England to the European crown and reaching the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023

The two-time European championship winning coach Sarina Wiegman had a difficult road to become one of the most successful managers in women’s football.

Growing up in The Hague, the Dutchwoman cut her hair short, so that she could play football with her twin brother, as girls were banned from all sports.

As a teenager Wiegman went to the United States, where she saw the potential to pursue a career in the sport.

But after returning to the Netherlands, Wiegman found that it was impossible to make a living out of playing or coaching in women’s football, so she finished her studies to become a PE teacher.

The Netherlands international player spent a lot of time juggling her job as a PE teacher with football, and eventually after a lot of hard work, she got a coaching job that she could make a living from.

“We should never forget, where we come from and be grateful for, what has developed over time,” Wiegman told BBC Sport.

Since starting her professional coaching career in 2006, Wiegman has had great success, becoming Dutch champion with two different clubs, and later European champion with both the Netherlands and England.

In 2019, she reached the World Cup final with the Netherlands, which they ultimately lost 2-0 to the United States. Now, the 53-year-old hopes to avenge the loss from four years ago with an England team who she has already taken to continental glory.

"You never know. We came here with a dream and that's what we go for. England has done well in former tournaments and yes, we want to win every game," Wiegman told Sky Sports.

England’s first game at the Women’s World Cup 2023 is against Haiti on Saturday 22 July. The Lionesses’ best result at a World Cup is the third place they claimed in 2015.

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