Wiegman insists England women are ‘feeling the support’ ahead of World Cup final vs Spain

Head coach Sarina Wiegman thinks England women are feeling buoyed by the levels of support for the team ahead of the World Cup final vs Spain.

The Lionesses face Spain on Sunday as they attempt to win the major trophy for the first time in their history

Wiegman told reporters: “It’s incredible what happened. We felt the support, we felt the support here, but also from the other side of the world in the UK. That’s something that we dream of.

“I feel privileged. I’m very happy in the place where I am now. There’s a lot of support, we have everything we need to perform at the highest level. It is a pleasure to work with these incredible people.”

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Wiegman was concise when asked how the team had reintegrated Lauren James, who could start on Sunday after serving a two-match suspension following her red card against Nigeria in the last 16.

She said: “Of course she kept training and it’s really nice to have 23 players available for tomorrow.”

Former Netherlands boss Wiegman took over as England manager in September 2021 and led the team to Euro 2022 glory on home soil last summer.

Asked whether the bond between the players and Wiegman had grown, captain and centre-back Millie Bright said: “The longer you work together, the better the connection.

“The better you can be off the pitch, the better the conversation can be and then we can translate that to the squad.

“As much as people don’t want to face challenges, it’s part of the game, it’s part of life, and without those challenges we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

Earlier this week, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe lauded Wiegman. He told reporters: “Just look at the job she has done – I think it’s been remarkable. She’s very calm. I actually really enjoy watching her on the sideline. She never gets flustered, always calm.

“I’m always looking at her thinking she’s thinking and analysing what to do next. A lot of the time when I’m watching games, I’m trying to put myself in the manager’s shoes. I think she’s done an incredible job.”

READ MORE: Women’s football in England will never be the same again after this glorious Euro 2022 victory