That Lionesses Podcast - Sarina Wiegman: Tournament Prep, Flat Whites & Family Walks | That Lionesses Podcast Connected by EE

Episode Date: June 20, 2025

It’s a very special episode as Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman is welcomed to the podcast! With the tournament fast approaching, Sarina shares exclusive insight into the team’s final preparations and what makes this group of players so exceptional. Harriet also uncovers a more personal side to the manager – from her must-have travel items and favourite destinations to the reason behind her fresh new glasses frames. Follow @lionesses on Instagram, WhatsApp and X, plus @england on TikTok, Facebook and YouTube so you don’t miss a thing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

players are selected because I think together with the technical staff that they're the best players in the country. Now we have a new team, we're going to a new tournament and we're trying to chase more and we're trying to be at our best. We're going to go for it again. You recently switched your glasses from gold frames to tortoiseshell. What made you switch things up? We're desperate to know. Hello, welcome to That Lioness' podcast connected by EE, the place where we get you closer to the players than ever before.

I'm Harriet Rose, and today we're mixing things up a little bit. We're not getting you closer to a player, but instead to someone who knows the players inside and out. She's been by their side since 2021 and has taken them to a World Cup final and a European victory. She doesn't do many podcasts, so I am thrilled to introduce the boss, Serena Wiegman. Wow, Serena, it is a pleasure to have you here. Thanks for taking the time. Honestly, I'm a little bit starstruck, I'm not going to lie. And obviously you have an extremely busy schedule. So we're very grateful that you've given us some time. Thank you.

You're welcome. How does it feel to be on That Lioness' podcast? Different. It's nice and cozy here. Yeah, we've made it especially for you. Yeah, it's really nice. So yeah, I feel comfortable. There's a lot I want to cover today. I want to talk about the group stage matches, how things are shaping up with training. Plus we can get to know each other a little better. Okay.

But first, we've got to talk about the squad. The tournament preparation is obviously underway with your squad. They're a great bunch of players. What qualities would you say this squad has? Oh, I think we have many qualities. I'm very happy with the squads. I think we have many qualities. I think I'm very happy with the squads. I think we have players with who have a lot of experience in tournaments because they went to a couple or even more. We have seven players that are in a major tournament for the first time, but I think they can really help each other. So that's a good balance.

I think also think that we have different qualities in the squad. So what's needed in games, I think we have. So we have speed, we have players that can defend really well, we have players that can attack really well, that can keep the ball, but also can go in behind or defend space in behind. So I'm happy with the balance we have. Yeah, it seems exciting. And I'm hearing a lot from the team and the girls that it is extremely exciting to have the new players because they're bringing that new energy. But then of course you've got the experience of the players who've played in multiple tournaments. How have you seen the more experienced players support the younger ones in the preparations?

Because that's a lovely thing to see, isn't it? Yeah, of course. They have to perform themselves, so I always say it to them. Of course, help others, but make sure you keep your levels up too and find that balance. But you see conversations, you see conversations on pitch, you see conversations off pitch, you see them challenging sometimes. But also you see young, like you talk, that you really divide the team in two, but actually it's one team and players are selected because I think together with the technical staff

that they're the best players in the country and that's why I selected them. So they're not, we're not little kids, they're mature and we're going to play a tournament. We just want them to share stories, what can happen off pitch, what they can expect from a tournament. That's why you want them to support each other. And of course, that's what we're trying to do too. There are just over two weeks until England play their first game against France. What do these final couple of weeks look like for you and the team? Yeah, we're together.

So that's really nice. What I really like, so this first week we have time to train and we don't have a game. So it's all about us and getting the final details on how we want to play, our style of play in every part of the game. So in possession, out of possession, the transition moments, we have penalty strategies, we do scenarios, so things like that. And we discuss some more things, of course, off pitch also. And I really liked that process.

Of course, didn't just start now because you come together for the whole year, but there's also players, of course, that haven't been in camp in February and April and come back. So you want to speed up everyone and get everyone aligned and get clarity on how we want to play. Yep. And then of course, also clarity on plan A, plan B, penalties, all these things. And then of course, get ready for your game plans too. It's exciting. What is the feeling and anticipation like in camp right now? How's the energy looking?

Yeah, good. I think as players are energetic, of course they had some time off, most of them. So you could tell they, of course we want them to come in fresh and fit and now we're building again, have some time off to, you know, see family, do some other things and then come in with this energy and ready to work really hard and get together. That's what we feel, that's what we see on the pitch too. It's really nice, the weather's really good, which we can compare to what we expect in Switzerland. So that's helpful too. And you can feel in staff too, we're really excited that it's so

close now to the tournament. Yeah. It's like in touching distance. Yeah. Obviously the Lionesses are the reigning European champions. How do you approach this? Do you think about the victory in 2022 or do you frame this as chasing an entirely new dream?

Is it something totally separate for you? No, there's many players who have the experience of the Euros 22. So I always say cherish these moments. We'll never forget it. It's something amazing happened in our lives, in our journey, but we have to move on to. So we have that experience. We use these experiences, but now we have a new team, we're going to a new tournament and we're trying to chase more and we're trying to be at our best

and that's what we can control, to be at our best. So we want to be the best prepared team, we want to be the best bonded team, we want to be fit and fresh together and then, yeah, when we're had our best chance of winning as high as possible, and I know this team is so ambitious and so is the staff. And yes, we're going to go for it again. We love to hear it. France is a little bit of a tough opening opponent. Does starting against such a strong side change anything in how you approach the group stage?

No, we approach it the same. We're in a very strong group. We know that, we're aware of that, but our opponents know that too. So we're all in the same boat, I would say. And you always want to start well in a tournament because that helps. And every first game is a hard one, no matter who you play. And yes, we know that France is really good, but France also knows that we are really good too. That's what we want to hear. England also faced the Netherlands, who you previously coached and occupied obviously a special place in your heart. How tough of an opposition are they?

Yeah, they're tough. I think, of course, I know them really well. I know the players really well. But at the same time, then, because you know each other really well, you really want to beat them even more. And that's the same for them, I think. So I want them to be really successful, but not against us. And we'll prepare the same as we do for every other opponent.

And we know their super strengths and we also know their weaknesses. As always, we'll prepare the same and that's what they will do too. We know each other really well. It's going to be a very competitive game again. And it's going to be an exciting one for the fans, I think, to watch. Looking ahead to July, what would success look like to you beyond the results on the pitch? Yeah, of course you want results, but I think you can't always control the results. You can make the chance of winning as high as possible and that's what we're doing all

the time. And of course we want to be successful as well, I said. We're very ambitious and we don't go there just, oh play, we'll see what happens now. We go there to be very successful. But then what we need to do, that's really what we're working on every single day, is being the best prepared as an individual. So every player needs to be the best prepared. And that preparation didn't start yesterday, didn't start last week, start last year, like the players have been in a journey and over time we have

talked about IDPs and what you can expect from the tournaments on the pitch, off the pitch and what you need. You just want to turn every stone and be ready for it and also want to take out some noise that you can really focus when you're in the tournaments. So that's the best prepared as an individual, best prepared as a team and have clarity on, on yeah, what we want to do on the pitch and then really stick together as a team at all time, all the time, that if we add our best, then I think then we add our best, then the chance of winning every game is the highest. And that's all you can do.

And it also it's emanating from the girls. I can see it, you know, when we're having the chats in here. And since you took the role of managing the Lionesses in 2021, fans have got to know your managerial style very well, but I'm going to try and get to know you a little bit better. Okay. When you're away at a tournament,

do you get any free time? If so, what do you like to do to just switch off and take a moment for yourself? Because a bit like the players, you also need time to kind of be at your best self, right? Yeah, of course. I know that. So before the tournament, I already take some actions, also trying to take some time off a little further away from the tournament because the closer it gets, the more I just want to get ready and you just want to get into it. We're trying to relax also and in the tournament, I just have to make sure that I, when I go

into the tournament, I'm fit and also fresh because it's going to be intense and you actually don't want to switch off because it's game three days, game three days, sometimes maybe four, but in the group stages, three days in between, you really do not want to switch off. Just moments, like half an hour, or when you wake up in the morning, do some movement, like maybe a little run or do some yoga. I like to do that, some breathing, things like that. It's just not half a day. I don't need half a day off.

I don't want to have- Just like a little mindful moment. Yeah. Yeah, some mindful moments. That's what I enjoy. I really enjoy my coffee. Love to hear it. So that's absolutely non-negotiable.

I have to have coffee. How do you take your coffee? With a little bit of milk. Just a simple- Flat white, very simple. Oh, I like it. Like it. So when you're there, that's- because I think it is the simple things.

When you're away from home, you're focused, you're in the game. You just need those simple moments to kind of, essentially lower that cortisol and like be in the moment. I definitely agree. I'm the same. I mean, I'm not you. I'm just getting up to go and like chat to people for a living. You're doing something a bit more important, but I do really relate to those like calming moments you just take for yourself. And Switzerland is a good place to do that. There's lots of trees. Yeah, now it's very beautiful.

Where we are is really beautiful too. I've been there a couple of times. Yeah, have you? Yeah, it's very pretty, very pretty. And around the hotel, there's like a little forest where you can, it's a little hilly. So when you go for a run, it's pretty time when you go up the hill.

I probably won't do that. Yeah, but no, it's very nice. It's fresh, it's a little hilly. So when you go for a run, it's pretty time when you go up the hill. I probably won't do that. Yeah. But no, it's very nice. It's fresh. It's nice. We're near the lake. So there's something we can switch off a little bit. Then it's really nice to just go out. Yeah. I was going to say, cause I know you've visited, but I didn't know if you'd had a chance to actually experience the area. So that's great. You kind of know what to expect when you're going. Yeah. Are you going to be doing any of the walking tours? Probably won't have time for that, right?

No, I'm not in a mood for that. No. So my family sees all of the countries where we have tournaments. They always see more than I do. Yeah. Maybe they can take me for a raclette because I'll be on my own. Okay. I'll just be going with Serena's family for a quick raclette.

Okay, I'll ask them. I'll let you know. Just get back to me on that Serena if you can. In the meantime, you're going to be smashing it with the team. You give obviously so much of yourself to the team, it is part of the job. Who or what gives you strength when you're away from home for so long? The people around me. So the team, the staff, and of course I know my family's around, so my husband's there,

my kids are going in and out. My dad always comes also. When I know they're there and I know they're having a good time, they're enjoying themselves, for me that's enough. And like we don't see each other that much, but also just have a little coffee at some moments, not too long. I'm like a little bit like this anyway. But that's enough for me.

And I know then I can pick up the phone when I need something, but most of the time we have the conversation with technical staff and we're just really in it, in our bubble. Yeah, I feel like that's the feedback I'm getting from most of the players as well. You obviously get to travel the world. It must be a very exciting part of your job, even when you are drilled into the moment. Where are some of the best places you've visited, would you say? England? Yeah.

Of course. We love to hear it. Yeah. Um, I really like Terrigal. Oh. That was in, uh, in Australia. So when we were in the world. Yeah.

That was, that was really nice too. I think Switzerland is going to be one of the top ones too. Yeah, it does give gorgeous vibes. Yeah. And we have traveled to many places. I went to South Africa to play there too. That was different too. It's like different landscapes, isn't it?

You're getting different animals, different energies, different heat levels. Yeah. It's a lot. Yeah. But it's exciting, I guess. I want to know, Serena, what's one non-football item you have to have with you at a tournament other than a flat white? My glasses, otherwise I don't see anything.

Well, that's very... We need that. I actually don't want glasses, but I really need it. They look very chic on you. You suit glasses a lot. Now I don't have things that I really need. I'm very casual, sorry. No, don't apologize. It's fantastic. I'm not very superstitious. What I do bring is some of the things for the exercise I want to do.

Little yoga mat and stuff like that. Yeah, yeah. Things like that. That's what I'll bring. And yeah, that's basically it. And I wanted to ask you because I've listened to you speak a lot and read a lot about you and on a personal note, you've had such an illustrious career, but you've also received rejection along the way as we all do in life, including facing barriers of actually being able to play football when you were young. rejection along the way, as we all do in life, including facing barriers of actually being able to play football when you were young.

I would love to know what advice you would give to someone who is facing or has faced rejection of how to kind of move forward. Yeah, I would say, like, I really wanted to play football and I wanted to be involved in football and I never let anyone tell me not to do it. So I've had so many people telling me, why would you play football? And I thought, well, because I love it. And why would you want to become a coach in football? Because I just love it.

I love to work with people and I love the game. So I never let anyone tell me what to do or not to do. And I just followed my, I would say follow my dreams, but I actually couldn't dream that I would be sitting here now and being coach of England and going to the second Euros with the team, but I just followed my heart. So I would say follow your heart and go for it if you really feel that's the right thing for you and don't, because you know. And it's okay when you don't know, but I, I knew from a very young age, what I wanted to do.

And at that time I couldn't become a coach. I wanted to be a PE teacher because I wanted to be involved in sports and I wanted to work with people. So I just did that. And over time, I was so lucky that I had so many trailblazers who paved the way for me. And then I could become a coach. Which you have now become a trailblazer. Yeah, hopefully I can help other people living their dream too.

Essentially don't take no for an answer. That's what you've got to do. And finally, Serena, before you go, talking of glasses, there is a question I have for you. Something the fans have spotted, which is you recently switched your glasses from gold frames to tortoiseshell. What made you switch things up? We're desperate to know.

Yeah. Well, actually I've had these for a year already, but we didn't have a tournament last year, unfortunately. So you weren't showing them off until now? No, no. No, I need to keep, but I had these last glasses for such a long period of time that I felt that I had to change. Well, people tell me, well, you should change last glasses for such a long period of time that I felt that I had to change. Well, people tell me, well, you should change your glasses once in a while.

I said, okay. So it took me a couple of weeks to find the right glasses, but I got some good advice in it. And I actually, I really liked the other classes, but yeah, I think I had to change a little bit. I would love to wear lenses and not wear glasses at all, but my eyes don't like it, so I have to wear them. I think it's you. We would be lost without the glasses and you, of course, but we need both.

Yeah, yeah. I feel like we need both. Well, I can use some advice from the new glasses then when I'm going to get some other ones. Hey, hit me up. I'll come glasses shopping with you. We can do it together next time. Okay. For the next euros, I'll come with you. But to be honest, I think you've made the perfect choice. Yeah.

They look fantastic. I'll tell my optician. 10 out of 10 to Serena's optician. I'll tell them. Good. Serena, it's been an absolute pleasure having you on that Lionesses podcast, connected by EE. Thank you for giving us your valuable time, because I know you don't have a lot of it.

I, on behalf of all the England fans, wish you all the best for the Euros. I'm so excited. It's my first ever tournament. I'm coming, I'm going to be eating so many racquets, getting involved in all the tournament fever. We've still got a couple of weeks off of England's first game, so that means there are more episodes coming your way. So please click subscribe, click follow, get involved because we're going to be interviewing more players. We've had an incredible chat with Serena and

there is so much more to come so don't miss out. See you next time! Serena everybody!