Sarina Wiegman intends to stay put as England boss amid swirling rumours that the serial winner could be tempted into the recently vacated United States manager’s chair.

On Thursday, U.S. Soccer announced Vlatko Andonovski would step down by mutual agreement following a disappointing World Cup campaign that saw the double-defending champions knocked out by Sweden for a worst-ever last-16 finish.

Wiegman and Chelsea manager Emma Hayes were already among the names frequently tipped to fill the post. But the 53-year-old issued a reassuring update two nights before leading the Lionesses into their first-ever World Cup final.

She said of the chatter: “I’m staying out of that. I’ve heard it. I’m England; I’m really happy with England and have a contract until 2025.

“I’m really enjoying my job, and I have the impression that people still like me doing that job. I have no plans to leave.”

Football Association chief executive Mark Billingham has said his organisation would refuse an American approach for Wiegman.

The 53-year-old is the first manager in history to have steered two different nations to a women’s European championship title, having done so with her native Netherlands in 2017 and England last summer.

Asked if she is aware of how much is invested in the Lionesses potentially ending 57 years of hurt since the men lifted the World Cup under Sir Alf Ramsey, Wiegman replied: “I don’t hear it that much because I get out of the noise. But I know it’s there.”

If the three-time FIFA Best winner’s connection to the U.S. concerns fans unconvinced by Wiegman’s earlier assurances, perhaps the Hague-born boss’ sheer enthusiasm for the uniquely religious fervour with which the English consume football will assuage them.

Nevertheless, there has been a bit of cultural adjustment for the straight-talking Dutchwoman, who, alongside her players, has reluctantly become a household name since England lifted the Euro 2022 trophy last summer.

The England boss, who chalks up her side’s growth in part to their learning – at her encouragement to embrace mistakes, is motivated by “working with very ambitious, talented people”.

Earlier in the tournament, captain Millie Bright also linked Wiegman’s arrival with establishing an environment devoid of hierarchy, where players feel they can speak their minds, even when the conversations can be difficult.

Perhaps that has something to do with the Dutch directness Wiegman admits, despite her affinity for England, she has probably imported into the Lionesses’ culture.

She added: “English people are very polite, and sometimes you go ‘, OK, are you now being polite or are you really saying what you mean?’

“And that’s sometimes finding a balance because you don’t have to be rude to be direct. So, I ask the players and the staff, ‘you can be honest, it doesn’t mean that you are rude. Just be direct.” 

(dpa/NAN)