England: Lionesses Coach Sarina Wiegman 'a proven winner' - Kelly Smith

Sarina Wiegman. Photo: ANP Sport via Getty Images

Incoming England boss Sarina Wiegman "is a proven winner" and "one of the top managers in the world", says former Lionesses striker Kelly Smith.


Wiegman will succeed Phil Neville as England's head coach in September 2021.

The 50-year-old has signed a four-year deal and will take charge after the postponed Tokyo Olympics next summer.

"It's her and [former USA head coach] Jill Ellis who are probably up there competing to be the number one," Smith told BBC Sport.

"It's a brilliant appointment.

"I like the way Wiegman sets her teams up. They are very difficult to beat. She has a good tactical knowledge of the game and I believe she will share that with all the England players."

Wiegman's tally of 43 wins is the most by any manager of the Netherlands men's or women's teams.