The facts
Sarina Wiegman has signed a new contract to remain head coach of the England women’s national team through Euro 2029. Her previous deal was due to expire after the upcoming World Cup in Brazil. Wiegman first took the England role in September 2021 and previously led the Netherlands to Euro glory in 2017. She has reached the final of the last five major tournaments she has managed, including two World Cup runner‑up finishes. In the contract announcement, Wiegman said she is “so happy to be able to carry on with this squad and cannot think of a better job in football.” FA chief executive Mark Bullingham called her “an incredible coach with an unparalleled record.” The extension also keeps her current backroom staff – Janneke Bijl, Arvid Smit and Darren Ward – and opens the possibility of her coaching Team GB at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if the team qualifies.
Our take
Well, fuck me sideways with a corner flag. The Football Association has once again proved it can spot a good thing and not mess it up – a rare feat in English football. Sarina Wiegman, the Dutch mastermind who lifted the Netherlands to Euro 2017 glory and has been steering England since September 2021, just inked a deal that will keep her at the helm until Euro 2029. That means she could potentially guide the Lionesses to three straight European titles, a scenario that would make even the men’s side look like a bunch of coked‑up toddlers trying to kick a jelly. Wiegman’s own words are as earnest as they get: she can’t think of a better job in football. The FA’s chief executive, Mark Bullingham, echoed the sentiment, calling her “an incredible coach with an unparalleled record.” The contract also preserves her trusted backroom trio – Janneke Bijl, Arvid Smit and Darren Ward – because why fuck with a formula that works? And there’s the tantalising side‑note about a possible Team GB gig at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, should the squad qualify. Imagine the chaos of cobbling together a UK‑wide team, only for the nation to forget the tournament exists because some Love Island bloke has shagged a cactus. In short, the FA has secured continuity, stability and a proven winner. It’s not a headline‑grabbing revolution, but in a sport where turnover is the norm, keeping a competent manager is practically a radical act. So congratulations to everyone involved for doing the bare minimum – which, in this case, is exactly what England needs. They’ll be lucky to have her, and we’ll be here in 2029, waiting to see if the Lionesses finally turn that “unparalleled record” into three straight Euro trophies.
