England Lionesses: The team behind the team

HEAD COACH

Sarina Wiegman

Nationality: Dutch

A former international midfielder who won 104 caps for Holland, many of them as captain. Appointed manager of ADO Den Haag Women in 2007 before becoming assistant with Netherlands Women in 2014 and then Head Coach in January 2017. Propelled her home nation to third in the FIFA world rankings and is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the women’s game. Appointed England Head Coach in September 2021, with FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham describing her as “the outstanding candidate from a very strong field.” Took the Lionesses to their first major title at the 2022 Euros.

ASSISTANT

Arjan Veurink

Nationality: Dutch

Has worked with Wiegman since 2017. The duo led Holland to the European title in the same year and reached the final of the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Previously Head Coach of FC Twente Women, who won the KNVB Cup, four championship titles and qualified for the UEFA Women's Champions League under his leadership.

ASSISTANT

Geraint Twose

Nationality: Welsh

The Welshman formerly worked at Cardiff City Academy. Was at the club for a total of 17 years. Joined the FA in May 2013 as a youth coach developer and has also worked with England Men’s U15s. Role as England Women’s Assistant has seen him work on one World Cup, two European Championships and with Team GB at the Olympics.

GOALKEEPER COACH

Darren Ward

Nationality: English

Spent five years with Sheffield United and was credited with helping Dean Henderson become an England player during his two years on loan at Bramall Lane. The stopper described him as “the best goalkeeping coach I’ve ever worked with.” Joined the Lionesses in 2021.

HEAD OF MEDICAL

Ritan Mehta

Nationality: English

Has worked in football for 14 years at a variety of levels, including in the Premier League, Championship and internationally. Joined FA in 2014 and has supported England Women and Men at senior level and also the youth teams. Works as a consultant in sport and exercise medicine in private practice at the Fortius clinic, Centennial medical Care clinic and also for Reading football club.

PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE PATHWAY LEAD

Martin Evans

Nationality: Welsh

Joined the FA in 2017, having had extensive experience in other sports. Was Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach for British Cycling from 2011-2017, S&C coach at Sport Wales from 2008-2011 supporting triathlete Helen Jenkins and S&C with Wales U20s and Cardiff Blues prior to that.

HEAD OF PSYCHOLOGY

Dr Kate Hays

Nationality: English

Joined FA in October 2021 after more than seven years in a similar role with the English Institute of Sport. Has worked as a sport psychologist and been part of multidisciplinary teams for 20 years. Has worked across a range of different sports and supported athletes competing in major events including World Championships and Olympics Games.

PHYSIO

Emily Whatling

Nationality: English

Consultant. Previously worked for GB and England men's hockey.

GENERAL MANAGER

Anja van Ginhoven

Nationality: Dutch

Was a player in her native Holland before moving into PR and communications. Has worked for Dutch broadcaster NOS as well as Discovery IC and Eurosport. Was General Manager with Holland's Senior Men (2004-2010) and Senior Women (2018-2021) and Wiegman saw her as a key person to bring on board with England.

LEAD PERFORMANCE ANALYST

Tom Murray

Nationality: English

Also worked with England Women at the 2020 Olympic Games.