FA chief opens door for Sarina Wiegman to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager

Sarina Wiegman could replace Gareth Southgate as manager of the England men's team, the FA's chief executive has stated.

Wiegman has led England's women's team to the final of the Women's World Cup in Australia, having been in charge when they won the European Championships last year - England's first major international trophy in 56 years.

She is regarded as one of the best coaches in world football, with Sunday's clash against Spain her fourth consecutive major international final.

While in charge of the Netherlands, Wiegman's side won Euro 2017 and finished as runners-up to the United States in the 2019 World Cup.

Men's professional football has yet to welcome a permanent female head coach. Hannah Dingley took charge of Forest Green on an interim basis during pre-season, but did not get the job permanently.

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes was linked with the managerial position at League One side AFC Wimbledon in 2021, but shut down those rumours and described it as an 'insult' to suggest that women's football was a 'step down from anything'.

Now, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham has stated that Wiegman could be a leading contender to become the next England men's manager when Southgate departs.

FA chief backs Wiegman for England men's role

Speaking via the Daily Express, Bullingham explained: "Sarina's doing the Lionesses, she's doing a brilliant job.

"I don't like the language, should it be the best man for the job. I think it's the best person for the job.

"Do I think football is behind other sports in terms of a lack of female coaches at the top level? I do. I think that has to change, and the third part of it is, 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 for a long time."

When asked about whether she could succeed Southgate, he reiterated: "It's the best person for the job. If that person's a woman, then why not? You analyse the pool for the job at that particular time.

"Do I think there's a really strong, diverse pool of both men and women for a big national job? No, I think the pool is small for both, actually. But I don't like the mindset that it has to be a man.

"So, I'll say it again. From our point of view, Sarina is doing a great job in what she's doing and we want her to continue."