Sarina Wiegman has admitted she was “sad” to see Gareth Southgate leave his role as England men’s manager.
The Lionesses boss described Southgate’s time in charge of Engand as “incredible” after he brought an end to a near eight-year tenure on Tuesday.
News of his departure came days after the Three Lions lost in the Euro 2024 final to Spain in what was the second successive European Championship where they have fallen short at the last hurdle.
And after a goalless draw on Tuesday with Sweden meant the women’s team will get the chance to defend their European crown at Euro 2025, Wiegman paid tribute to the 53-year-old.
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The Dutch manager said: “To be honest yes [I’m sad]. Because he’s such a nice person and a great coach.
“We wouldn’t see each other all the time but when we did it was realy nice.”
“What he has done for England football is just really incredible. They made the final [of Euro 2024] and of course the made the last final of the last one [Euro 2020] too.
“I think he can be very proud of himself and I think England is very proud of him, and me as Dutch, I am very proud of him too.”
🏴 Lovely words from Sarina Wiegman on Gareth Southgate’s tenure as England boss: pic.twitter.com/ZUlkaLdgiA
— Katie Shanahan (@KatieShanahan3) July 16, 2024
‘Be careful what we wish for’
Former England international Karen Carney, appearing as a pundit during England’s draw with Sweden, echoed the thoughts of the Lionesses boss and urged the FA to make the right call with Southgate’s successor.
Carney said: “My reaction was that I was sad, really sad. We all wanted England to win on Sunday but we also wanted him [Southgate] to end on a win now that we know it was his final game.
“I think it was probably the right time for him and for England as well. He received a lot of abuse which was unnecessary for what he’s done but maybe England need a refresh to go again.
“We’ve got to be careful what we wish for. Everyone wants more and more but look at his record.
“The FA have got to be careful about their next decision and I would urge them to take their time. They took their time to find Sarina [Wiegman] the right person and I think they need to find the right person [to replace] Gareth.
“We can’t lose that culture; we have to keep that.”
