Few could have imagined 2022 going so well for the Lionesses. Wiegman took over after England had won just four of 14 matches and the Great Britain squad lost in the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games.
July’s Euro 2022 victory was undisputedly the highlight of the year and Wiegman revealed players gave their match worn shirts to members of the staff to keep as memorabilia.
“I still have my navy suit but it’s not a collector’s item – I’m not very sensitive to those things. Of course it will stick forever with me,” she said.
“I think if I would have worn a shirt as a player, I would absolutely keep it. Beth Mead gave me her shirt so I’m really happy to have one. That’s a very good present for us.”
The final was watched by 87,192 people at Wembley – a record for a Euros game in men’s or women’s football.
The late Queen Elizabeth II led tributes to the Lionesses afterwards and thousands gathered in Trafalgar Square the following morning to celebrate.
Faces of the Lionesses were on the front and back pages of every national newspaper, while murals were painted across the country in various cities.
The players’ lives have changed – so how does Wiegman manage that as they prepare to continue their unbeaten run and win the World Cup next summer when it is held in Australia and New Zealand?
“There is pressure, we know,” she added. “We know that when you win, the pressure will be higher and higher – that’s just the way it works. The concern is that the players’ lives have changed a little bit.
“Some players really adapted to the situation already, some players need a little bit of support. There are a lot of things outside of football that are related to football that are asked of players now.
“It’s finding the balance and not getting overwhelmed. That takes time. Some players are really young. Within six weeks they became famous English people. Everyone wants something from them.
“Your brains have to get used to your new life. It brings lots of good things but also some sacrifices. Some players can’t walk down the street anymore without being [mobbed by fans].”