𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

The head of the Football Association hailed the leadership of England Women manager Sarina Wiegman but said it was too early to discuss whether talks over a new contract have begun.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham labelled Wiegman’s leadership as “incredible” and promised that contract talks would take place “at an appropriate time”.

Wiegman masterminded her third successive European Championship triumph with Sunday’s penalty shoot-out success over Spain to ensure England retained the trophy they won for the first time in 2022.

The Dutch coach is contracted to the Football Association until after the 2027 World Cup.

FA chief executive Bullingham told BBC Sport: “She’s an incredible person, incredible coach and incredible leader.

“We’re very lucky to have her, proud to have her as part of the team and obviously she will be working with us for the World Cup.”

Pressed on when contract talks would take place, Bullingham said: “It’s a bit early for that.

“We are delighted she is with us for the World Cup and we will have that conversation at an appropriate time.

“She is an incredible manager and we’re delighted to be working with her, so that has to be up to her. We will have those conversations when they’re ready to go.”

Wiegman, 55, has been England head coach since 2021 and guided the team to two European Championship titles and a runners-up finish at the 2023 World Cup.

After Sunday’s final, Wiegman said: “I have been here four years and it just feels like my home away from home.

“I always enjoy it when I’m at work, when I’m in England.

“It is just the people, the sporting culture.

“I really love the sporting culture and the fans, of course.

“It is the connection I have with the people; we are very, very close. The people at the FA, with everyone.”

When asked if she had “fallen in love” with England, she added: “Yes, I have.

“Otherwise, I would not be sitting here with such a smile on my face.”