How 12 months in North Carolina moulded Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman

Alongside Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly and Carla Overbeck, Wiegman learned her trade in the USA

Several key figures will be missing from England’s starting lineup for Wednesday’s 2023 Women’s World Cup semi-final against Australia.

Beth Mead, Fran Kirby and Leah Williamson were all integral for the Lionesses as they won Euro 2022, but injury kept the trio at home for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

The suspended Lauren James will also be sidelined for Wednesday’s match with Keira Walsh an injury concern too.

England still have Sarina Wiegman, though. As long as they have the Dutch woman in the dugout, the Lionesses have a chance with Wiegman widely considered the best manager in the women’s international game.

Born in the Netherlands, Wiegman was forged in a football-sense by her formative experience in the United States. Her route to the top started at the University of North Carolina (UNC), where she studied and played as a teenager.

The US women’s national team suffered a disappointing round of 16 World Cup exit, but the American game still played a role in producing a figure who could soon become a world champion.