Unveiling Sarina Wiegman's Bold Take on England's World Cup Prospects, Key Absences, and the Vital Significance of Recovery Periods

Sitting by the pool in the radiant Australian sun, Sarina Wiegman's sole focus is on triumphing in the World Cup. "You never know. Our dreams brought us here, and that's what we're striving for," Wiegman happily shares with We at England's pre-tournament location on the Sunshine Coast.

England has performed admirably in prior tournaments, and indeed, our aim is to emerge victorious in every match. Consequently, England made the decision to venture towards the seaside town of Queensland, seeking a tranquil environment to recover from jet lag and adapt to life in a different hemisphere.

Do not let the players' social media pages deceive you. Alongside kangaroo spotting and whale watching, rigorous training sessions and off-field preparations have taken place. This atmosphere has been meticulously created by Wiegman and her team.

"We're putting in a lot of effort, but it's crucial to maintain a healthy balance between striving for improvement and taking time off to clear our minds," she emphasized.

"We're human beings, not machines. This setting also contributes to our well-being. Our goal is to ensure that everyone is in top shape and ready for the tournament."

During camps, it is common to find the Dutch coach with a laptop in hand, either getting ready for her next session or engaging in detailed conversations with her backroom team about tournament life. Nevertheless, Wiegman clarifies that she is not impervious to the local methods of unwinding.

I went on a whale-watching excursion during our day off. It was a delightful experience. Additionally, the beach is conveniently within walking distance, and occasionally, I indulge in a brief swim in the ocean.

Undoubtedly, I am deeply invested in performing my tasks diligently, but there are times when I disconnect. These breaks may last for about half an hour or an hour before returning to work. Sometimes, I might even enjoy a beverage. However, I do not spend my entire evening reveling outside as it is not something I truly require.

Wiegman acknowledges that bidding farewell to family and friends for nearly two months has been challenging. Moreover, preparing for the tournament has been difficult in the absence of several crucial players from last year’s successful Euros campaign. Dealing with long-term injuries to Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, and Fran Kirby has proven to be a personal and professional struggle for Wiegman.

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Euros champion Beth Mead, along with several other players, will be absent this summer.

Wiegman expresses her disappointment for them: "It's truly saddening that they are unable to participate in the tournament." Despite this, Wiegman tends to avoid discussing individual players.

"That is undoubtedly challenging on a personal level. Engaging in heartfelt conversations, we wish for their well-being, only to eventually proceed and forge ahead.

"It is an arduous reality, yet an integral part of professional sports. Inevitably, players may encounter injuries, necessitating others to rise to the occasion, assume accountability, and demonstrate their capabilities.

The way it operates is what makes this team remarkable. They have demonstrated it in their respective club teams, and now they are showcasing it here. Hopefully, they can display the same excellence on the field as well.

Wiegman, who guided Netherlands to the World Cup final in France 2019, accomplished something England has never achieved.

Her side lost to the all-conquering Unites States, but optimism is high with her adopted nation this time around.

"You can be very excited, I think we're in a good place," she said.

"Everyone is getting to the next level again. The team is very excited, we have one more week to prepare for Haiti and we'll be absolutely ready to go."

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Everyone is getting to the next level again. The team is very excited, we have one more week to prepare for Haiti and we'll be absolutely ready to go.

Sarina Wiegman, England manager

Fans in Queensland, despite the customary Australia-England sporting rivalry, have embraced England as their secondary team, which proves to be advantageous.

"As the first match approaches, fans will unite, creating an electrifying atmosphere."

"We've already got the vibe - 3,000 people came to our first training session. We didn't expect that.

"They were very positive towards us, we're very popular."

Wiegman's popularity in England will soar beyond measure, 10,000 miles away, if she can transform her World Cup "dream" into a tangible achievement. Despite already holding titles such as CBE, FIFA Coach of the Year, and Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau, her sole aspiration this summer is to emerge as a victorious coach in the World Cup.

When and where is the 2023 Women's World Cup?

The tournament is scheduled to commence on July 20, and the final will be held on August 20 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney.

The USA are the defending champions and are looking to become the first team in the competition's history to win the tournament three times in a row.