Does Sarina Wiegman want historic coaching role in men’s football? Lionesses boss responds to future question amid talk of succeeding England manager Gareth Southgate

The highly-regarded Dutch tactician has enjoyed considerable success in charge of her homeland and the England women’s team – leading the Lionesses to Euro 2022 glory and the final of the 2023 World Cup. It has been suggested that she could be lined up to succeed Gareth Southgate as leader of the Three Lions when that role becomes available again.

No woman has filled a permanent role as coach of a professional men’s team in English football – with Hannah Dingley getting as close as anybody when she became caretaker boss at Forest Green Rovers in July – but the expectation is that the glass ceiling will be shattered at some point in the near future.

Wiegman has said of knocking down those barriers, and potentially being the one to do so: “In football, it's still the question of can a female coach a male team? I think in every sector females are in higher positions, so that's a little bit strange [it isn't in football]. I think a female can coach a men's team. My thoughts are not there. I am just really happy in the role I work in now and I am really enjoying it. And, as you say, sometimes I think when I see it, it is so personal, also with men in the men's game. I think, how much fun is that? We know Corinne Diacre coached a men's team in France and more females also in Italy coached men. I think it is a matter of time and I think when first one happens it will be really big - but I think then more will follow. When I was a little kid I was not allowed to play football as a girl, but now everyone says, 'Oh why not?' Hopefully in 20 years we say, 'Why did we think females couldn't coach males?' Hopefully that will change quickly.”

Emma Hayes is another to have been mooted as a potential history-maker in the men’s game, but the legendary leader of Chelsea’s successful women’s team is being lined up to take charge of the USWNT following their disastrous showing at the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.