Sarina Wiegman is in line to receive an honorary damehood if England retain the women’s European Championship, according to a report.
The Dutch manager, who led the Lionesses’ to their third successive major tournament final on Tuesday night, could reportedly nab the honour even if England fall at the last hurdle.
She was reported to be set for an honorary damehood two years ago before the Lionesses’ suffered an agonising defeat in the World Cup final to Spain. Millie Bright, Mary Earps and Lauren Hemp all received honours in recognition of the team becoming the first senior England side to reach the final since 1996.
According to The Telegraph, failure to reward Wiegman this time around – even if England are defeated in Sunday’s showpiece – risks sparking a sexism row, given that Gareth Southgate received a knighthood even after losing the Euro 2024 final with the men’s squad.
The former England boss was rewarded for services to football in the New Year’s Honours list, having stepped down as Three Lions’ boss following defeat to Spain.
Should Wiegman lead England to glory next week, she will become the first manager of the national team to win two major honours.
Sarina Wiegman is in line to receive an honorary damehood if England retain the women’s European Championship
The Lionesses advanced to the final after a nail-biting semi-final win over Italy in Geneva
Gareth Southgate received a knighthood even after losing the Euro 2024 final with the men’s squad
After England won Euro 2022, the 55-year-old was made CBE on the UK’s overseas list with the permission of the Dutch government. She was made a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau for leading her native Netherlands to Euro 2017, which she followed up by reaching the final of the 2019 World Cup.
According to the Telegraph’s report, several members of the playing squad are also set to be recognised should the Lionesses prevail in Switzerland. Skipper Leah Williamson could see her OBE after Euro 2022 upgraded to a CBE.
The news follows England’s dramatic 2-1 semi-final win over Italy on Tuesday night which came courtesy of late goals from Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly at the end of regulation and extra time.
England look set for a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final against Spain, who are the favourites to beat France in their semi-final on Wednesday.
