England and Netherlands teams clashed in Euro 2024 semi-finals

In a recent development, England women’s head coach Sarina Wiegman acknowledged the positive atmosphere surrounding English football despite her disappointment as Gareth Southgate’s men secured a spot in the Euro 2024 final, defeating her home country, the Netherlands. The Lionesses, who triumphed in the European championship two years ago, gathered in Norwich before their Euro 2025 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland to witness the men’s semi-final match. Wiegman, a former Netherlands player with 104 caps, expressed mixed emotions at watching Ollie Watkins’ late winning goal, stating her support for Southgate's team while admitting a tinge of sadness for her Dutch roots. Wiegman emphasized the significance of England's recent success in major tournament finals for both the men's and women's teams over the past four summers, highlighting the widespread passion and support for football in society. Despite the competitive nature of the sport, she recognized the privilege of the current English football landscape and the importance of not taking it for granted. Forward Lauren Hemp described the experience of watching the men's match with Wiegman as "a little weird" but noted the team's excitement following the game. Looking ahead, the Lionesses have two remaining group stage matches in their Euro 2025 qualification campaign, with Wiegman reaffirming their commitment to winning every game and aiming to secure a strong position for next year's European finals in Switzerland. Wiegman also offered words of encouragement to Southgate's team for the upcoming final, expressing confidence in their preparedness and urging them to "bring it home." The camaraderie and mutual support between the men's and women's teams reflect a positive and unified front for English football, with both sides striving for continued success on the international stage.