The English female footballers praise Sarina Wiegman after winning the European Championship in Switzerland. Leah Williamson, Hannah Hampton, and Chloe Kelly, among others, are grateful to the national coach for her dedication and trust.
England won in Basel after a 1-1 final score in the penalty shootout against Spain. It is Wiegman’s third European title in a row. The Hague native was previously successful with the Netherlands (2017) and England (2022).
“I already thought two European titles were impressive, but now she has three,” captain Williamson said after the match to BBC Sport. “Sarina is great. She always supports us, on and off the field. If she makes a decision, I never question it. If she tells me to jump, I ask: how high?”
Hampton also holds Wiegman in high regard. The Chelsea keeper is the successor to the acclaimed Mary Earps, who decided to stop as an international just before the European Championship. Earps often had to settle for a reserve role behind Hampton in the run-up to the European Championship.
“I can only say: thank you, Sarina. For all the trust she gave me. I am very grateful to her,” said Hampton, who made two saves in the penalty shootout. “She knew what I was capable of. She gave me the chance to show my qualities. I think I did that throughout the European Championship.”
Kelly: ‘We should all be grateful to Sarina’
Kelly is also lyrical about Wiegman. The attacker played a major role for England as a substitute in this European Championship. Kelly hardly played for Manchester City at the start of the season, but started shining as a loan player from Arsenal from January.
The 27-year-old Kelly had even considered quitting football during her time at City. The winger persevered and came back into Wiegman’s sights. “Sarina is incredible,” Kelly said after the European Championship win. “She gave me hope, while I no longer had it. She gave me the opportunity to represent my country again.”
“What Sarina has done for our country is incredible. We should all be grateful to her,” said Kelly, who scored the final penalty. “Her achievements with the Netherlands were also great. She has taken women’s football to a higher level. I am grateful to be able to work with such great staff members.”
