England manager Sarina Wiegman has signed a contract extension until the end of the Euros in 2029, meaning she will lead the Lionesses for a further two years beyond next summer’s World Cup.
The Dutchwoman has enjoyed a hugely successful stint with England, reaching five consecutive major tournament finals with the squad including winning two titles at Euro 2022 and 2025.
She took charge in September 2021, having previously won the Euros with the Netherlands in 2017.
Her decision to extend comes as a major boost to the squad, with veteran Keira Walsh among the players to have publicly expressed their hope Wiegman would continue. Walsh said after England’s first-leg World Cup play-off win over Greece earlier this month: “I think everyone in England would love her to stay”.
Wiegman said: “I am so happy to be able to carry on with this squad and cannot think of a better job in football. Working for a world-class organisation like The FA, and alongside so many people dedicated to winning England teams and the growth of our game, excites me every day.
“I have such a strong desire to see what more we can achieve together with our amazing fans. I also want to keep supporting the wonderful collaborative work being led by The FA across the women’s game, particularly in developing young players and coaches.
“Of course, anyone who knows me will understand that my main concern right now is absolutely the World Cup, and helping this squad realise their potential in the years to come. We have an important job to do to confirm our place in Brazil, and hopefully we can do that and give the country another special summer to remember next year.”
England were runners-up at the 2023 World Cup and are partway through the qualification process for next summer’s tournament, while Wiegman’s contract extension means she will also oversee the 2027 Nations League campaign, a key opportunity to qualify for Team GB for the LA 2028 Olympics.
Her assistants Janneke Bijl and Arvid Smit will also continue with the squad, as will long-standing goalkeeping coach Darren Ward.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “Sarina is an incredible coach, with an unparalleled record in major tournaments and I am so happy to continue to work with her for the next EURO cycle. There is no one better to lead the Lionesses into the next two tournaments.
“Sarina’s impact on English football has been immense, and she continues to inspire so many throughout the game. We have so much more to do in the women’s game and she will be instrumental in helping us to achieve that.”