'When you stand still, you lost' - Wiegman focused on future after Euro triumph

  /  autty

Sarina Wiegman says her focus is firmly on England's future and that her sights are already set on qualifying for the 2027 World Cup.

England won their second consecutive European Championship title in July, beating Spain on penalties to retain their crown.

The Lionesses became just the second team to win back-to-back editions of the tournament, after Germany (1989 and 1991, and six in a row between 1995 and 2013).

This upcoming international break, they will face Brazil and Australia in two friendlies in the first of four "Homecoming Series" matches.

And Wiegman says the celebrations of the summer's achievements are over for her, with her focus already on improving the team further to reach their next goals.

"We celebrated a little bit. Then I took some time off," she said. "After two weeks, you want to get started again.

"I moved on really quickly, too. There are games coming up. I am already thinking ahead of what we need to do. Where can we get better? That's what we can control: to get better.

"Time flies. What we always say is that, of course, it has been a massive summer again. Of course, we won the Euros, which is incredible and will always be incredible.

"We had to celebrate that and get connected with our fans, which is really nice. But at the same time, we are looking forward. When you stand still, you are lost. The players know that."

Millie Bright announced her retirement from international football on Monday, ending her nine-year career with the Lionesses, having amassed 88 caps.

Bright opted out of England's Euros triumph in July in order to focus on her mental and physical health, undergoing knee surgery in the off-season.

Wiegman paid tribute to Bright, who captained England to the 2023 World Cup final in Leah Williamson's absence.

"At the back of the Euros, we had a conversation and competition had started already, and Millie told me she was going to retire from international football," she said.

"I thought we had a good conversation. She has been huge for us and for me and the team on and off the pitch. She has been a great personality and leader. I am just really grateful I have been part of her journey.

"I wanted her to be available, yes, of course. Before the Euros, she wasn't ready and needed to get things sorted.

"She's still a really good player. I wanted her to be in the squad. But I totally respect and understand the decision she makes for her life."

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