FAST DOWNLOAD
England boss Sarina Wiegman delivered an inspiring message on International Women’s Day 2024, as she reflected on the Lionesses’ lasting legacy.
England manager Wiegman has sat down with the Lionesses’ official social media channels to celebrate Women’s Day, which falls on Friday, March 8. She reflects on not being able to play football as a youngster growing up in the Netherlands and stresses the need for choice for aspiring women’s footballers growing up today. Wiegman also opened up on the legacy of her Lionesses side, saying boys now see it as “normal” to want to play alongside girls in school and recreationally.
WHAT WIEGMAN SAID ABOUT WOMEN’S DAY
She told England’s channels: “When I was a little girl we were not allowed to play football. I did, I just cut my hair really short and played with my twin brother! But I had many friends who were not allowed to play. My husband and I, we raised our two daughters with being equal, whatever they wanted to do, we supported that. I think every kid needs to have a choice to play football.
“In the women’s game we have a bigger purpose than playing football. Yes, it’s all about performing and being at the highest level, but being at that highest level we become very visible and we know through football we can change society in a positive way. We won the Euros [in 2022], we got to the final of the [2023] World Cup, and boys saw that too. Now, little boys find it normal that girls and boys play football, so it’s not only an all-boys, or all-male sport, anymore. I feel more and more responsible to have a voice and use my voice in a positive way. Also, the players have that too, and I’m very proud of the players to use this in the right way.”
Since Wiegman arrived at the helm in 2021, women’s football has exploded across the world, but particularly in England. Broadcasting rights and overall media coverage have grown exponentially, while countless Lionesses stars are heroes in the eyes of so many young fans.
The likes of Chloe Kelly, Ella Toone and Beth Mead won over hearts for their efforts in England’s Euro 2022 triumph. Mary Earps is another to have become an icon thanks, in part, to her huge hand in England’s run to the 2023 World Cup final. Earps has seen her efforts both on and off the pitch recognised with countless awards, with a standout contribution being her fight against sporting giants Nike over the sale of her World Cup jersey last year.
While Wiegman delivers an inspiring message on a significant day for women’s football, her players certainly did their talking on the pitch in their last friendlies. The Lionesses defeated Australia and Italy by a combined scoreline of 12-3 last month, with new recruit Grace Clinton emerging as another potential national hero going into the next major tournament.
