Women's Euro 2025: Wiegman worries less but wants to win more

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.

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ZURICH —

The 55-year-old, who was fresh off leading the Netherlands to the 2017 European title and the Women's World Cup final in 2019, would not permit players to wear smartwatches, for 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 July 5, 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," she said.