Wiegman Honoured as Lionesses Receive New Year Recognition
Sarina Wiegman has been awarded an honorary damehood after leading England Women to European Championship glory, capping a historic period for the Lionesses following their dramatic title win in Switzerland.
The England manager was recognised in the New Year Honours List after guiding her side to a second consecutive European crown, this time overcoming Spain on penalties in a tense final that closed the loop on their World Cup final defeat the previous year.
That success has also been reflected across the squad. Arsenal captain Leah Williamson has been made a CBE, while Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, Alex Greenwood and Georgie Stanway have all received MBEs for their contributions to the tournament triumph.
Wiegman’s achievement places her in rare company. She has now guided England to European Championship titles both on home soil and abroad, and has reached the final of every major tournament she has managed with the national team. Although she cannot formally use the title of Dame due to her Dutch citizenship, the honour underlines her impact on English football since her arrival.
The victory in Switzerland was built on resilience and composure under pressure. England navigated a demanding knockout stage before holding their nerve in the final against Spain, converting from the spot to secure the trophy and confirm their status as a dominant force in the women’s game.
The atmosphere surrounding the Lionesses has continued to grow since that success, with sustained support from fans and a squad that has blended leadership with depth. Williamson’s influence at the back, Walsh’s control in midfield and the attacking threat provided by Toone and Stanway have become defining features of Wiegman’s side.
Attention now turns quickly to the next challenge. England are preparing for qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, where Wiegman will look to extend her flawless record of reaching tournament finals. The qualifying draw presents immediate tests, including another meeting with Spain alongside fixtures against Iceland and Ukraine.
With honours secured and momentum firmly behind them, the Lionesses enter the next cycle as one of the leading contenders on the global stage, carrying both expectation and belief as they target more silverware under Wiegman’s steady guidance.