England Manager Sarina Wiegman Sets Sights on Belgium Double-Header

England manager Sarina Wiegman is focusing on the upcoming Nations League double-header against Belgium, with an eye on defending the European Women's Championship title at Euro 2025.

England manager Sarina Wiegman is focusing on the upcoming Nations League double-header against Belgium, with an eye on defending the European Women's Championship title at Euro 2025 in Switzerland. The Lionesses had a mixed last international break in February, drawing with Portugal before beating Spain, the team that defeated them in the 2023 Women's World Cup final.

Wiegman emphasized the importance of the Belgium matches, stating, “I think it's important that we have a good picture of our team."” She highlighted the dual objectives of winning the upcoming games and preparing the team for Euro 2025. Wiegman explained, “Of course we go out to play Belgium twice and we want to win those games, but also getting the team ready for the Euros to know who we have available and know who's in good form.”

England will host Belgium in Bristol on Friday before traveling to Leuven for a game on April 8th. Wiegman's team will be looking to build momentum ahead of Euro 2025, and the manager is keen to assess her squad's readiness for the tournament.

Alessia Russo, England's striker, played a pivotal role in Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final victory over Real Madrid. Russo scored two goals, helping Arsenal overcome a 2-0 deficit from the first leg and advance to the semi-finals. England captain Leah Williamson, who also played in the match, praised her teammate Russo.

Williamson commended Russo's character and confidence, saying, “Everyone would always say how nice of a person Alessia is and how good a person she is, and everybody wants her to succeed for that reason.” Williamson acknowledged that Russo's confidence is essential for her role as a number nine, stating, “But to be a number nine in any team you have to have that sort of, not arrogance, but confidence about you and we all want to see her playing like she is, so she carries that because she deserves it as a human, she works hard for it.” Williamson also expressed her delight in seeing Russo succeed, saying, “We know what a talent she is and when she's scoring goals I know how good that is for her.”

🗣 "The biggest female event in the world."

Sarina Wiegman is excited about the 2035 Women's World Cup coming to the UK. 🙌#Lionesses #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/5ESJCe4Lnv

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 3, 2025

In other news, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced that the United Kingdom is likely to host the 2035 Women's World Cup, describing its bid as the “one valid bid.” England manager Sarina Wiegman welcomed the news, saying, “It's really good news. It will be really great if that tournament will be held here.” Wiegman, who led England to victory in Euro 2022, highlighted the potential impact of hosting the World Cup, stating, “We know with the experience of the Euros how big the game is already here and what that momentum gets here in this country.” Wiegman believes that hosting the World Cup would provide an “incredible” boost to women's football, saying, “Another tournament on an even bigger stage would be incredible and give another boost to the game.”

"Exciting news!" 📢

Sarina Wiegman and Leah Williamson react to the UK almost certainly hosting the 2035 Women's World Cup as the sole bidder for the tournament 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/m0FLBG33Qm

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 3, 2025