Sarina Wiegman Reflects On Unexpected Recognition As England Coach And Honours Mount

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Sarina Wiegman has reflected on a period of unexpected recognition, after guiding the Lionesses through a series of major tournaments since taking the England head coach role in 2021. The Dutch coach has combined individual honours with team success, while also preparing England for another demanding campaign as World Cup qualifying begins in March.

Wiegman was included in the Kings New Year Honours list for 2026, receiving an honorary damehood (DBE) for services to football. The England manager was also recognised by the Football Writers Association, which presented a tribute award, adding to a growing collection of personal accolades earned while leading the national team.

Since taking charge, Wiegman has delivered back-to-back European Championship titles with the Lionesses, with the most recent triumph in 2025 marking the first time any England side has lifted a major trophy on foreign soil. Including a previous success with the Netherlands, Wiegman has now collected three consecutive Euros crowns as a head coach.

England also reached the 2023 World Cup final under Wiegman, confirming the Lionesses as consistent contenders in major tournaments. That run followed the earlier European Championship win and strengthened Wiegman’s reputation as a coach who can bring stability and results, while managing pressure across long campaigns and knockout stages.

Reflecting on the awards and the wider response, Wiegman spoke about the impact of the last few years and the welcome received in England. "It's been a bit overwhelming, Wiegman toldSky Sports. We've felt so much recognition, that was so nice. You can really feel the appreciation. It's incredible. When I came here in 2021 I never expected it to be like this. It's been so special. To be so accepted here and the journey we've been on, to be an honourary dame, is hard to describe what an honour it is."

The recognition from the Football Writers Association was highlighted on social media, as Wiegman collected the Tribute Award during an event on Sunday evening. The ceremony underlined how the Lionesses’ achievements have resonated beyond results, with England’s progress under Wiegman closely followed by journalists, supporters and figures across the football community.

Sarina Wiegman Lionesses World Cup qualifying challenge

Attention now turns to the next cycle, as England begin World Cup qualifying in March following last summer’s continental success. The Lionesses share a group with reigning world champions and Euros finalists Spain, alongside Ukraine and Iceland, setting up a demanding schedule against familiar and new opponents across the upcoming qualification window.

Looking ahead to those fixtures, Wiegman outlined both ambition and caution regarding qualification prospects. "With the qualities we have, if we're at our best we should qualify for the World Cup, said Wiegman. We have different scenarios, we're going out there to win every game but we know that's very difficult. It's very hard to top the group. The team's in a good place, most of the players are. I can feel everyone's ready to get started again. We have to qualify first. We've started a new cycle playing games against Ukraine and Iceland, who I haven't faced with England. We've also got Spain, we can't get rid of each other. I'm also excited to look ahead longer term but not taking for granted qualifying."

The comments underline a focus on performance and preparation, while recognising the strength of Spain and the test posed by Ukraine and Iceland. After a period defined by trophies and honours, Wiegman and the Lionesses now move into another key stage, aiming to extend recent success by securing a place at the next World Cup.