Wiegman first discovered football on the streets of the Hague, playing alongside her twin brother as there were no girls-only teams.
She was called up by the Netherlands for the first time in 1986, aged 16, and went on to become the first Dutch woman to make 100 appearances for her country.
As coaching in women’s football wasn’t a viable career at the time, Wiegman became a PE teacher.
“Being a PE teacher has helped me, as you know a lot about coaching because you’re teaching all the time about methodology, about language – what language you use to help kids and football players,” she said.
“You learn so much about teaching and all these things that come around about organisation, managing a team, managing a group.
“I think that has really helped me develop as a coach.”
When the Women’s Eredivisie was created in 2007 she landed her first full-time job as a coach at ADO Den Haag, having initially turned it down when it was offered on a semi-professional basis.
After seven years at Den Haag, Wiegman became assistant coach of the Netherlands national team and later their head coach.
She joined England in 2021 after leading her home nation to Euro success and the 2019 World Cup final.
“I think we should always be aware of where we came from, where are we now and where we want to go to,” said the Dutchwoman.
“But also never forget where we came from and always be grateful of what has developed over time.
“I don’t take things for granted, but it becomes normal that this is my workplace and that Wembley is also my workplace – for lots of people it’s a dream to get there.
“I’m very grateful that I can work here, I don’t take it for granted but it’s my job now and I’m just doing my job.”