England Women manager Sarina Wiegman has signed a contract extension with the Lionesses until the end of the 2027 World Cup.
The 54-year-old - who was named The Best Women's Coach for the fourth time at Monday's FIFA The Best Football Awards - prolongs her stay after already becoming the most successful England Women's head coach in history.
Wiegman led the Lionesses to Euro 2022 stardom with victory over Germany at Wembley, before guiding England to Finalissima glory over Brazil and the 2023 World Cup final, which ended in heartbreak as they lost 1-0 to Spain.
The Lionesses have also clinched back-to-back Arnold Clark Cup crowns under Wiegman's tutelage, and England have confirmed that her assistant - Arjan Veurink - has also extended his contract.
"I am so happy to have the chance to lead England through to 2027 after an incredible two and a half years. Looking forward, we have unfinished business and I know we are capable of even more, although nothing will come easy," Wiegman told englandfootball.com.
© Reuters
"Our game is becoming so competitive at the top level. I relish that opportunity and can't wait to start the EURO qualifiers, followed by the World Cup. I would like to thank Mark Bullingham, Debbie Hewitt and the FA Board for their support. I also must mention Arjan Veurink. I am very delighted he has also extended his stay.
"It is a fantastic job working with these amazing players and alongside great colleagues. And, of course, it is very special to be able to play a part in giving our fans such wonderful moments."
Following England's failure to win their UEFA Nations League group - which extinguished their hopes of representing Great Britain at the 2024 Paris Olympics - the European champions will begin the defence of their continental title when the Euro 2025 qualifiers begin in April.
England will learn their League A qualifying opponents when the draw is made on March 5, and they will defend their title in Switzerland from July 2 to 27 in 2025 should they successfully make it through the preliminary rounds.
The Lionesses will then compete in League A of the 2025-26 UEFA Nations League before commencing their quest to qualify for the 2027 World Cup, with the hosts due to be unveiled on May 17 of this year.
© Reuters
"We are thrilled Sarina has agreed to extend her time with us as we head into another significant period of international football," FA Ceo Bullingham added. "She has achieved so much through her outstanding work as a coach and leader, and there is more to come.
"The aim with our England teams is to be a consistent competitive force in major tournaments, and Sarina has helped us achieve that – building on what had been several years of positive progress.
"She has also been a tremendous ambassador for the women's game, and English football in general. Her commitment to what we are trying to do to grow the grassroots for all and promote the Lionesses player pathway is there for all to see. Sarina is an inspiration to so many at home and abroad, and it is great that her time with us at Wembley and St. George's Park will continue."
Wiegman has overseen 34 wins, seven draws and four losses from 45 games in charge of England, going unbeaten in her first 30 matches before a 2-0 friendly defeat to Australia last April.
Seven of Wiegman's players were included in the FIFA FIFPRO Women's World XI at FIFA's The Best Football Awards on Monday, while only two World Cup-winning Spaniards made it in, and the Dutchwoman lauded her team's "tremendous" achievements in 2023 after a hugely successful evening.
The Lionesses are due to return to action in February with a pair of international overseas fixtures against unspecified opponents, which England have stated will be confirmed "imminently".
