Honour Lionesses...pride of the nation

THE Lioness who led England’s taming of their rivals to become the pride of the nation is set to be made a dame.

- Giles Sheldrick

Sarina Wiegman, the Dutch mastermind behind the national team’s second successive Euros triumph, is now almost certain to receive an honorary gong in the New Year Honour List.

And her courageous Lionesses are also likely to be honoured after roaring to glory at Euro 2025.

England defeated Spain on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s final.

Team manager Wiegman, 55, was going to be put forward for a gong two years ago had the Lionesses won the World Cup — but they agonisingly lost 1-0 to the same opponents.

Sunday night’s breathless win in Basel, Switzerland, meant redemption and now paves the way for the squad to be officially recognised on behalf of a grateful nation.

Last night, Tracey Crouch, the former Sports Minister, led calls for the Lionesses to be honoured. She said: “Sarina should get an honorary damehood, not because Gareth Southgate was knighted, but because she has delivered continuous success that will inspire generations of players, coaches and supporters for years to come.”

Ms Crouch, a qualified FA football coach who manages a girls’ team, added: “Many of the 2022 squad were rightly honoured for their achievements.