'So exciting' - Sarina Wiegman hopeful that 2035 World Cup in UK can provide huge 'boost' for women's game and build on impact of Euros in 2022

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Thursday that the United States and the United Kingdom are poised to be named as hosts of the Women's World Cup in 2031 and 2035, respectively. Now, England boss Wiegman said it would be "incredible" to host the showpiece event and could be a springboard for big things to happen in women's football.

She told reporters on Thursday: "It's really good news, and it would be really great if that tournament will be held here. We know with the experience of the Euros, how big the game is already here and what that momentum did here in the country, but also worldwide, I think. So another tournament, on an even bigger stage would be incredible, and that will give another boost to the game."

When asked if hosting the World Cup would be a step up to putting on the Euros, Wiegman replied: "Well, Euros feels really good too, especially the last two, I would say. So hopefully the next one will feel really good too, but it's an even bigger stage. It is the biggest female event we have in the world, so that's so exciting. So yes, again, it will be incredible to have it here."

The Football Association revealed last December that 129,000 more girls have become involved in football at school across the host cities of Euros 2022. Moreover, the governing body said there are more than half a million extra opportunities for women and girls to play football in those areas, in comparison to 2020. Women's football has grown a huge amount and that is likely to continue if the UK hosts the 2035 World Cup.

In the short term, Wiegman's England host Belgium in the Nations League on Friday evening.