23-07-2025
Arise, Dame Sarina: Wiegman in line for honour after Lionesses' charge to Euros final
Sarina Wiegman is in line for an honorary damehood if England retain the European Women's Championship and could receive one even if they do not.
Leah Williamson may also be handed an upgrade to her OBE if she lifts the trophy in Basel on Sunday, with other members of the squad rewarded with gongs, too.
As Telegraph Sport revealed, Wiegman was set to be put forward for an honorary damehood two years ago had the Lionesses won the World Cup.
England finished runners-up but captain Millie Bright (OBE), goalkeeper Mary Earps and forward Lauren Hemp (both MBE) all received honours for helping the team reach their first final – and first for a men's or women's team since 1966.
Winning Euro 2025 would mean another round of honours for the Lionesses, while their Dutch head coach would have an irresistible case to be made Dame Sarina.
Victory would make her the first manager of a senior England team to mastermind two tournament triumphs, and the only one to successfully defend a major title.
Even if she lost what would be her fifth successive world or European final, including leading the Lionesses to glory at Euro 2022, she would still boast a better tournament record than anyone to have managed the country's men's or women's sides.
That includes Sir Gareth Southgate, whom Telegraph Sport revealed was in line for a knighthood as Euro 2024 approached its climax. Southgate was duly rewarded for services to football in the New Year's Honours list, having quit as men's manager following the tournament.
Failure to recognise Wiegman's achievements – whether immediately or when she eventually moves on – could therefore risk provoking a major sexism row.
After England won Euro 2022, Wiegman was made CBE on the UK's overseas list with the permission of the Dutch government. Insiders have previously said the same process would be required to make the 55-year-old an honorary dame. It is highly unlikely such a request would be refused.
She was previously made a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau for leading her native country to victory at Euro 2017, which she followed up by steering them to the 2019 World Cup final.
Williamson, who missed the 2023 World Cup through injury, could expect to be made a CBE if she becomes the first England captain to lift two major trophies.
She and the likes of goalkeeper Hannah Hampson – the hero of the Lionesses' quarter-final penalty-shootout triumph – would also be among the favourites to be crowned BBC's Sports Personality of the Year.
As with most major footballing triumphs, a victory parade appears certain to be staged if England won Euro 2025, along with receptions for the squad at Buckingham Palace and Downing Street.
