England manager Wiegman signs contract extension

Sarina Wiegman has been in charge of England for more than five years [Getty Images] England manager Sarina Wiegman has signed a two-year contract extension with the Lionesses. The 56-year-old's previous deal was due to expire after next summer's World Cup, but her new contract will run until the end of Euro 2029. Dutchwoman Wiegman guided England to their second straight European Championship title with victory over Spain in the Euro 2025 final. The victory meant the Lionesses became the first England team - women's or men's - to win a major trophy on foreign soil. "I am so happy to be able to carry on with this squad and cannot think of a better job in football," said Wiegman. "Working for a world-class organisation like The FA, and alongside so many people dedicated to winning England teams and the growth of our game, excites me every day." England thrashed Greece 8-1 on aggregate last week to qualify for round two of the World Cup play-offs, where they will face Ukraine. Should the Lionesses win that two-legged tie, they will qualify for next summer's World Cup in Brazil. "My main concern right now is absolutely the World Cup, and helping this squad realise their potential in the years to come," Wiegman added. "We have an important job to do to confirm our place in Brazil, and hopefully we can do that and give the country another special summer to remember next year." Wiegman replaced Phil Neville as England manager in September 2021, guiding the Lionesses to their first piece of major silverware at Euro 2022 when they beat Germany 2-1 in the final at Wembley. England then reached the World Cup final in Australia in 2023, only to lose 1-0 to Spain. By reaching the 2025 Euros final, Wiegman became the first women's or men's manager to reach five consecutive major international finals after leading the Netherlands to the Euro 2017 title and runners-up at the 2019 World Cup. England's Euro 2025 victory meant Wiegman became just the second manager after Germany's Christina Theune to win three successive European Championships. FA chief Mark Bullingham described Wiegman as an "incredible coach with an unparalleled record in major tournaments". "While we will all remember the trophies and thrilling moments she has given us, I know she is only looking forward," Bullingham added. "There is no one better to lead the Lionesses into the next two tournaments. "Sarina's impact on English football has been immense, and she continues to inspire so many throughout the game. We have so much more to do in the women's game and she will be instrumental in helping us to achieve that." Does Scott's Disney+ exit unmask wider issue in coverage of women's game? Contract a welcome surprise - analysis The FA and England fans alike will be delighted that the 'Wiegman era' is set to continue beyond the 2027 World Cup. Having led the Lionesses to back-to-back European titles and the 2023 World Cup final, many expected Wiegman to leave after next summer's tournament in Brazil in search of a new challenge. Instead, her commitment to stay until 2029 underlines the strength of her relationship with the FA and her team. While today's announcement may have surprised some, the timing now allows Wiegman and the players to focus fully on World Cup qualification, without the distraction of a looming succession plan. Widely regarded as one of the game's greatest-ever coaches, Wiegman has already achieved what few can match. But even after three consecutive Euros, this contract extension proves she still has an appetite for more as she chases an elusive World Cup title. Head here to get involved