Sarina Wiegman admits ‘mixed emotions’ after England beat Netherlands to reach Euro 2024 final

Sarina Wiegman has admitted she had ‘mixed feelings’ about England beating her country to reach the Euro 2024 final.

The Dutchwoman guided the Lions to victory at Wembley just two years ago, but on Wednesday night she watched as Gareth Southgate’s side faced the Netherlands in their semi-final in Dortmund. Xavi Simons gave the Dutch the lead before Harry Kane scored a controversial penalty to level the scores soon after.

It was an evenly contested game but England substitutes Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins combined in stoppage time to send the Three Lions into the final. The 2-1 win means they will face Spain in Berlin on Sunday in a bid to end their men’s trophy drought.

Wiegman is fully focused on his side’s Euro 2025 qualifying campaign and the clash with the Republic of Ireland at Carrow Road on Friday night. However, he admitted his ‘orange heart is hurting’ after the defeat to the Netherlands at Signal Iduna Park.

“You want a political answer?” Manager Webbebesi told reporters on Thursday. “No, I have to be really honest, I just wish the best, the best for Gareth and his team and a lot of people, yes, because we are colleagues. But it hurts, a little bit. My orange heart hurts.

“See [England] they know exactly what to do. It’s their second time [Euros] lastly, which is amazing. I wish them all the best and in England you would say, ‘let’s bring them home’.”

The Lionesses face the Republic of Ireland on Friday night before traveling to face Sweden in the group stage on Tuesday. England are currently third in their group, level on points with Sweden and two behind leaders France.

Wiegman’s team will need to finish one of two places in their group to book a place in next summer’s finals in Switzerland. If they finish third, they will have to play two rounds of play-offs to keep their hope of keeping us healthy.

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