Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman gives verdict on replacing Gareth Southgate

Sarina Wiegman has been manager of the Lionesses since September 2021 (Image: Naomi Baker - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Current Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman has dismissed rumours that she could step into Gareth Southgate's shoes as England men's manager.

Southgate, 53, tendered his resignation on Tuesday morning, a mere two days after England suffered a second final defeat in three years, losing 2-1 to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. That followed their penalty shootout loss to Italy in 2021.

The FA are now on the hunt for a new manager and Wiegman's name has been thrown into the mix, given her successful stint with the Lionesses, which includes a Euro 2022 victory and a World Cup final appearance last summer.

However, the Dutch manager, whose contract runs until 2027, insists she is content with her current role, especially after England secured their spot at the next European Championship on Tuesday night.

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"To be honest I think it's really inappropriate to have that conversation," Wiegman stated after her team's 0-0 draw with Sweden. "I'm with the Lionesses, I'm very happy."

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - JULY 16: Sarina Wiegman, Manager of England, speaks with the team following the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 qualifying match between Sweden and England at Gamla Ullevi on July 16, 2024 in Gothenburg, Sweden. (Photo by Naomi Baker - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) (Image: Naomi Baker - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) Trending window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20240709.min.js"

Despite this, she did commend Southgate for his contributions both on and off the field during his eight-year tenure. "I'm disappointed that he [Southgate] is going to leave," the 54-year-old added.

"I really like Gareth as a human being but also as a coach. I think it's really inspirational what he has done, so well, for such a long time with the England team.

"That's something to be really, really proud of and it makes England very proud. He is such a nice person and a great coach.

"We wouldn't see each other all the time but when we would see each other it was very nice. What he has done for England football is really incredible.

FA CEO Mark Bullingham, meanwhile, has given fans an update on the recruitment process by saying: "The process for appointing Gareth's successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible.

"Our UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed.

"We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won't be commenting further on our process until we appoint."

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Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman gives verdict on replacing Gareth Southgate

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman gives verdict on replacing Gareth Southgate

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman gives verdict on replacing Gareth Southgate

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman gives verdict on replacing Gareth Southgate

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman gives verdict on replacing Gareth Southgate