'The missing ingredient' - Leah Williamson hails Sarina Wiegman after England's Euro 2022 triumph

Leah Williamson has hailed England manager Sarina Wiegman as the «missing ingredient» that the Lionesses needed after securing a Euro 2022 triumph. Wiegman guided her side to their first major trophy, with substitute Chloe Kelly striking late in extra-time to seal a 2-1 win against Germany at Wembley. Ad/> It meant the Dutch manager retained the continental crown having led her native Netherlands to European Championship victory in 2017, becoming the first manager to win the Euros with two different countries.

FootballWilliamson confirmed as England captain ahead of Arnold Clark Cup15/02/2022 AT 14:06 Wiegman only took charge of England last September but has not yet watched her side lose a game in the role. Williamson, appointed permanent captain in April, described her manager as a «special person». England make history with Euro 2022 triumph Ian Wright urges Premier League to invest in WSL and capitalise on Euros win Ecstatic Lionesses celebrate Wembley win «She is the missing ingredient England were looking for,» Williamson said at England's trophy parade in London's Trafalgar Square.

«She has brought us all together. She is a special person and puts us first as human beings.» In 20 games under Wiegman, England have scored more than 100 goals and conceded only five times. Kelly's winner was their 22nd goal of the tournament — a record tally, exceeding Germany's total from 2009.

One of Wiegman's first actions in the moments after the full-time whistle was to kiss a bracelet on her wrist, and the 52-year-old later explained that this was a tribute to her late sister. «I'm kissing this little armband that was my sister's,» Wiegman said. «My sister passed away during our prep camps.