'Steely Winner' Sarina Wiegman England's Biggest Weapon In World Cup Semi-Final

England had never won a major women's football trophy before Sarina Wiegman became coach. Now they are closing on a second in the space of a year. Wiegman's European champions face co-hosts Australia in the Women's World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, with the prize a place in Sunday's final against Sweden or Spain. England's squad is packed with quality but arguably their biggest weapon in Sydney will be the 53-year-old native of the Netherlands standing on the sidelines.

When Wiegman was named to succeed Phil Neville as coach almost exactly three years ago, England's football association described her as "steely and a winner".

It turned out to be the perfect description. She masterminded England to European glory last summer on home soil and they are now on the brink of a first World Cup final.

Wiegman smiles easily at press conferences, but gives very little away either about the team or herself.

It is clear, though, that she has the total faith of her squad, who describe her as calm but direct.

Midfielder Georgia Stanway described how Wiegman had fostered a family environment at the World Cup that allows England's squad to thrive while also relaxing when they need to.

That includes allowing the players to have their families with them, rather than isolating the squad.

But even for her players, there is something about Wiegman that is almost otherworldly.

"We've all got families out here -- even Sarina," said Stanway.

Asked by a reporter to clarify what she meant by "even Sarina", Stanway looked a little sheepishly at her coach sitting next to her and laughed.

"Sometimes, er, sometimes you don't realise that your head coach is actually human," she said.

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