Sarina Wiegman wishes Gareth Southgate the very best despite England win hurting her ‘orange heart’
SARINA WIEGMAN admits it hurt her “orange heart” to see England knock her Netherlands compatriots out of the Euros.
But the Lionesses boss, 54, wished Gareth Southgate and his men the very best before their battle to become Europe’s new football kings.
Wiegman and England Women’s stars gathered around the TV to watch the Three Lions book their place in the men’s final in Berlin, Germany.
Their 2-1 semis defeat of her compatriots, with Ollie Watkins netting the winner in Dortmund, set up England’s Sunday night showdown with Spain.
The Wednesday night triumph for Southgate’s side’s preceded Wiegman’s players resuming their bid to automatically qualify for next year Women’s Euros.
The Dutchwoman, whose team play the Republic of Ireland in a Euros qualifier at Carrow Road on Friday, said: “Of course I wish the very best for Gareth and his team, of course we are colleagues.
“But it did hurt a little bit, my orange heart hurt.”
Among the Lionesses sat alongside Wiegman watching the men’s heroics was Manchester City’s Lauren Hemp.
The in-form 57-capped forward, 23, joked it was odd to watch along with her Netherlands-born national team boss.
Hemp, 23, said: “It was a great result. It was weird watching it (with Sarina) I guess but it was a really good game.
“England left it to the last minute like they always do which is exciting.
“They’ve got their game at the weekend and we’ve got two very important games coming up so it would be nice to share that success and get a couple of wins.”
The Lionesses, who won the women’s contest two years ago, hope to become the first England side to win back-to-back European Championships.
Seeing the Three Lions reach successive men’s finals has spurred on Hemp’s hope to help her side triumph in the women’s tournament again.
She adds: “It’s so nice to see the men doing well and it does make us relive those special moments.
“When we won the Euros that was probably the best day of my life and we want to do the same next year.
“That starts from the qualifiers now.”
Although level on points with second-placed Sweden, England are currently third in their group in League A.
Only the top two teams automatically qualify for next year’s Euros.
Their last two qualifiers resulted in a loss and a win against group A3 leaders France.
For former Norwich youth player Hemp, an England victory at the Canaries’ home ground would be extra special.
The in-form foward said: “Of course I’m so excited to be back home.
“It’s obviously nice seeing the pitch again and training on it.
“I’m really excited for the game and it’s sold out so that’s even better.”
Wiegman says her squad is in a good place with all players training ahead of her team’s next two games.
The England chief has no fitness concerns regarding goalkeeper Mary Earps who has recovered following a minor hip injury
However full-back Niamh Charles is unlikely to be able to play both matches.
Wiegman added: “Coming from the place where Niamh comes, we know she can’t play two times for 90 minutes.”