Wiegman in running for men's national team job after FA clarified England stance

22 August 2023 , 07:00

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Wiegman in running for men's national team job after FA clarified England stance

Netherlands are set to consider Sarina Wiegman as the new men's national team coach when the role becomes available.

Ronald Koeman still has over two years left on his current contract after being appointed as Holland's manager at the start of 2023. The ex-Southampton and Everton boss replaced Louis van Gaal in the position after the latter retired from coaching following the World Cup in Qatar.

But, despite taking charge of just four matches, Koeman is already under pressure having won just one of his opening quartet. Koeman has lost the other three against France, Italy and Croatia, with his only victory coming in a 3-0 win over Gibraltar in European Championship Qualifying.

And now, according to the Telegraph, Wiegman will be in the frame to become the next Netherlands men's national coach. It is understood Dutch footballing chiefs have insisted privately for a number of months that the Lionesses boss would at least make a shortlist of candidates.

Wiegman's chances have been boosted after guiding England to the Women's World Cup final. Although England ended up losing 1-0 to Spain, the 53-year-old still has plenty of suitors should she decide to depart the Football Association - two years since taking the role from Phil Neville.

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Before the World Cup final on Sunday, Wiegman revealed she had "no plans to leave" England and has a contract until after Euro 2025. The Dutch-born coach has also been linked with a move to the United States following their below-par World Cup campaign.

Sarina Wiegman could leave her role with England (Getty Images)

"I have a contract until 2025," she said. "I'm really enjoying my job and I have the impression that people still like me doing the job. I have no plans to leave."

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham also insisted last week that Wiegman would be considered to replace Gareth Southgate as the men's national team coach if she wanted the job. Southgate has one year left to run on his contract, with Euro 2024 set to get to start next June.

"Sarina's doing the Lionesses and we think it's critical that she does that job, and she's doing a brilliant job," Bullingham said. "Do I think football is behind other sports in terms of lack of female coaches at the top level? I do, and I think that has to change and also, do I think Sarina could do any job in football? Yes I do, I'm really happy with the job she's doing and I hope she stays doing that job for a long time.

"If at some point in the future she decides she wants to move into the men's game, I think that would be a really interesting discussion but that's for her, right? And I don't think we should view it as a step up. If she decides at some point in the future to go in a different direction, I think she's perfectly capable of (it)."

Kieran King