Wiegman says she has grown into role as England boss as game has changed

ZURICH :Sarina Wiegman is not the same football manager she was when she arrived in England armed with a set of strict rules nearly four years ago, the Dutchwoman said.

The 55-year-old, who was fresh off leading the Netherlands to the 2017 European title and the World Cup final in 2019, would not permit players to wear smartwatches or rings, she said as an example, since the team would be doing their own health monitoring. It initially did not sit well with players.

But Wiegman, whose England squad begin the defence of their Euro title on Saturday, said she has grown into her role as the game has changed and the trust of her players has taken root.

"I've become a little bit older too, with more experiences in football and in life, and more experience in England, you get to know so much more about the team, about the FA (Football Association), about English football - I think it just becomes more natural," Wiegman told reporters on Wednesday.

"You have set the tone in the beginning, how you want things, and then you hope that things become organic.

"My approach is the same (now), I just worry a little bit less," she added. "In the beginning, I wanted to solve everything, but you can't, as a coach, you just have to let go." 

Wiegman has a remarkable record in major tournaments. After her successful stint in the Netherlands, she led England to Euro 2022 victory less than a year after her hiring, and then their first appearance in a World Cup final in 2023.

She chalked it up to having good teams and great support.

"You need players that score goals and prevent goals. That's very basic," she said. "But that's what we're trying to do, create that environment, trying to be the best prepared, and you need a little bit of luck."

CLEAR