Wiegman: I have fallen in love with England after 'craziest' tournament yet

The England manager contests her fifth final in a row when the Lionesses play Spain tomorrow. Miguel Delaney hears why she has worried less and celebrated more at Euro 2025

- Miguel Delaney

Shortly before Sarina Wiegman walks into one of the grand rooms at England's five-star Dolder base overlooking Zurich, Ella Toone can't help but laugh.

"We've nearly killed her twice in this tournament," Toone says. It sometimes feels like at least twice in single games, especially those against Sweden and Italy.

"You've definitely aged me," Wiegman told the players after the semifinal. You wouldn't think it as she walks in for a more informal chat with media on the eve of the Euro 2025 final. Wiegman is all smiles and laughs, as you might well be when your team repeatedly get through emotional late rescue acts. Everyone conspicuously looks to the coach in such moments. That isn't always the case in football.

Wiegman admits that she finds focus on her “awkward”, if of course, “very special”. Except, it's hard not to focus on her.

This is the 55-year-old's third consecutive major final in the England job, and fifth as a manager, going back to Euro 2017. It sums Wiegman up that she says it's a record she doesn't even want to think about until she retires. For everyone else, it defines her. While there have been a number of factors in England's rise, not least FA investment, the money spent on Wiegman is well justified. She is almost certainly the single most important figure in the history of the women's team. Hence, the FA being "in awe" of Wiegman, according to many insiders, to the point chief executive Mark Bullingham says she's priceless.

If England loves Wiegman, however, what does Wiegman think of England? As a manager, she can come across as an abrupt figure, especially when talking in that matter-of-fact manner. Some close to her just say it's part of being Dutch. Nevertheless, Wiegman's success comes as her players talk about how she's changed; maybe even softened.