Sarina Wiegman speaks out after Royal Family message to Lionesses slammed by fans
England manager Sarina Wiegman has addressed the backlash to King Charles' social media post ahead of the Euro 2025 final.
On Sunday night, Wiegman led the Lionesses to a historic win in Basel's St. Jakob-Park as she became first manager of a senior England team to lead their team to two tournament triumphs, and the only one to successfully defend a major title.
Under Wiegman's leadership, England got the better of World Cup winners Spain in the final of the 2025 Women's Euros, winning the match by a penalty shootout after the match ended as a 1-1 draw.
Both before and after the match, support came in from across the UK, with the likes of Prime Minister Kier Starmer and King Charles among those reaching out to the Lionesses.
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However, after the King's pre-match message was met with some backlash from England fans, Wiegman has responded to offer her view on the monarch's post.
Ahead of England's momentous achievement in Switzerland, the British King took to social media to send a good luck message featuring photos of most of the team.
Although the message was generally well-received, some fans pointed out that Michelle Agyemang, who was named young player of the tournament, was notably absent from the photos shared, sparking some accusations of racism.
Reacting to Agyemang's omission from King Charles' post, one fan wrote: "Where is Michelle? I think you need to update your photo."
While another added: "Your don't know that there's a player called Michelle Agyemang that grabbed your equaliser in the last 2 games? You'd have been out last week otherwise."
However, Wiegman quickly dismissed any claims that the monarch leaving England's young star player out of the message was intentional, despite admitting that it was unfortunate.
"I think that would never, ever be intentional," she said.
"I think the message from the Royal Family is that they really, really support us, and we really appreciate that. It's unfortunate that (Agyemang) is not on the picture, but there's all good intentions."
What did King Charles say after the Lionesses won Euro 2025?
Like many others, the King was also quick to congratulate the England squad on their victory over Spain in the Euros final in a post on the Royal Family's official X account.
He wrote: "Congratulations England! !This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025.
"For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant ‘football’s coming home’.
"As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true.
"For this, you have my whole family’s warmest appreciation and admiration.
"More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms.
"Well done, Lionesses. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!"
Topics: Sarina Wiegman, Football, England, Womens Football
Ben McCrum