Sarina Wiegman's behind the scenes nature revealed ahead of England showdown with Australia

Sarina Wiegman England Australia

Sarina Wiegman has been hailed ahead of England Women's World Cup clash with Australia

PA
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 14/08/2023

- 13:53

The Lionesses will be hoping to make the final of the Women's World Cup on Wednesday

England star Kiera Walsh has opened up on what Sarina Wiegman is like behind the scenes ahead of the Lionesses' clash with Australia on Wednesday.

It's been a good tourmament for the visitors so far, with the European champions winning all five of their matches.


However, England will face their toughest test yet when they do battle with Australia on Wednesday.

And Walsh, speaking prior to that showdown, has lifted the lid on what Wiegman is like outside of matches.

England Kiera Walsh Australia

England star Keira Walsh has praised Sarina Wiegman as Australia Women's World Cup clash looms

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"She is pretty relaxed and is always very logical," said the Barcelona star, who will be hoping to feature in the match.

"She has a clear plan and vision of how she wants things to go.

"Even when we're under pressure, she never shows it and that can calm you on the pitch.

"She has her family here and creates a family feel.

"She gives us an extra push on the pitch when we've been under pressure."

England have won plaudits for the way they've treated opposition players following a World Cup win.

Players have been quick to console opponents from Nigeria and Colombia after two narrow victories.

Yet while Walsh insists Wiegman hasn't told them to do that, the 53-year-old's influence has been lauded nonetheless.

She continued: "I wouldn't say it's something we've spoken about.

"Sarina [Wiegman] is naturally like that, she always puts an emphasis on being humble and respecting your opponent.

"We all know the feeling of being knocked out of a World Cup and it's one of the worst feelings in the world, so when you see fellow players upset the natural human thing to do is go and see if they are ok.

"We can be happy we've gone through but we could also have gone home.

"It's just about making sure they are ok and then we can celebrate back in the changing room."

As for Wiegman herself, meanwhile, the Dutchwoman revealed after Saturday's win over Colombia that she was surprised to learn of the intense rivalry between England and the Aussies.

"It was like a home game for Colombia. We expect a similar crowd for Australia and that is so exciting," she said.

"It is going to be really big.

"I've had a couple of questions about the rivalry, so it's going to be bigger than I thought it was.

"I really like the people here, but that doesn't mean there's no rivalry here."

England last met Australia back in April.

And they'll be hoping to avoid a repeat of what happened in that friendly that day.

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England Sarina Wiegman

England boss Sarina Wiegman has looked ahead to Australia Women's World Cup clash

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England saw their 30-game unbeaten run under Wiegman ended, with Sam Kerr and Charlotte Grant on target for Tony Gustavsson's side.

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