Wiegman to lose key ally after this summer's Euros tournament wraps up in blow

Sarina Wiegman’s assistant coach and right-hand man Arjan Veurink will depart from the Lionesses set-up after this summer’s Euros competition to become Netherlands boss.

The 38-year-old has worked alongside Wiegman since 2017, guiding the Netherlands to a European Championship title and to the 2019 World Cup final, where they were beaten 2-0 by the United States.

They then replicated these achievements with England after making the switch from the Netherlands in 2021, leading the Lionesses to their memorable Euros title in 2022 on home soil before they lost out to Spain at the 2023 World Cup final in Australia.

A key tactician and confidant of Wiegman’s, the former Twente women head coach will take charge of his first international match in October 2025, with his contract set to run until 2029.

Veurink said: ‘This is not only a great challenge and a wonderful new adventure, it also feels like a logical next step in my career.

'I have never made a secret of the fact that I wanted to be ultimately responsible for the Dutch national team at some point.

'With over eight years of experience at the highest level as Sarina Wiegman's right-hand woman, first with the Netherlands and now in England, I am ready to stand on my own two feet.

'The fact that this opportunity has now arisen in the Netherlands makes it extra special. I will now do everything I can to conclude the coming months in England in style, and then start this new chapter after the European Championship in Zeist.'

Under the Dutchman, FC Twente were crowned Dutch national champions four times, as well as winning the KNVB Cup once.

An FA spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that Arjan Veurink will depart The FA following UEFA Women's EURO 2025 and will take on the role of Netherlands women's head coach.

'He continues to be a highly valued and respected member of Sarina’s team and has complete focus on the Lionesses’ current UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign and this summer’s tournament.

'There’s plenty more work to be done together before it's time to say our farewells.'