Sarina Wiegman responds to claims that she could replace Gareth Southgate as England men's boss

Sarina Wiegman has responded to claims that she could replace Gareth Southgate as England men's boss.

Wiegman has led the Lionesses to back-to-back tournament finals and is widely considered one of the finest coaches in world football.

The 53-year-old’s success with both England and the Netherlands has led to speculation she could replace Southgate as the Three Lions manager, who is expected to step down from the role following next year’s Euros.

Men's professional football has yet to welcome a permanent female head coach. Hannah Dingley took charge of Forest Green on an interim basis during pre-season, but did not get the job permanently.

Wiegman has since responded to rumours that she could be offered the role in her pre-Spain press conference, but was quick to divert attention to the Lionesses instead.

"I have nothing to say about that," she said. "Let’s just talk about the final tomorrow.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham has tipped Wiegman to replace Southgate. Speaking via the Daily Express, Bullingham stated: "Sarina's doing the Lionesses, she's doing a brilliant job.

"I don't like the language, should it be the best man for the job. I think it's the best person for the job.

"Do I think football is behind other sports in terms of a lack of female coaches at the top level? I do. I think that has to change, and the third part of it is, do I think Sarina could do any job in football? Yes, I do.

"I'm really happy with the job she's doing, and I hope she stays for a long time."

When asked about whether she could succeed Southgate, he reiterated: "It's the best person for the job. If that person's a woman, then why not? You analyse the pool for the job at that particular time.

"Do I think there's a really strong, diverse pool of both men and women for a big national job? No, I think the pool is small for both, actually. But I don't like the mindset that it has to be a man.

"So, I'll say it again. From our point of view, Sarina is doing a great job in what she's doing and we want her to continue."

Topics: Sarina Wiegman, Gareth Southgate, England, Womens Football, Womens World Cup

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno