Sarina Wiegman leaves England squad gobsmacked with actions after trophy parade

Sarina Wiegman left her England players in sheer disbelief after Tuesday's open-top bus parade through the streets of London. She was at the forefront of their emphatic celebrations after beating Spain on penalties to win the Euros last weekend. Chloe Kelly scored the decisive spot-kick which saw the Lionesses retain the trophy they lifted at Wembley three years ago.

England celebrated their achievement with a trophy parade through central London, which was attended by over 65,000 people. The route came to an end outside Buckingham Palace, where they showed off the trophy and soaked up the adoration of the crowd. Wiegman was in the middle of it all and got a brilliant surprise when she was joined on stage by a special guest.

After it was revealed that her favourite musician was Nigerian artist Burna Boy, he walked onto the stage for a rendition of his song For My Hand. Wiegman was visibly stunned and belted every word into the microphone while her players laughed behind her.

England defender Esme Morgan later revealed that everybody was gobsmacked, telling BBC Sport: "Her face when they brought Burna Boy out was a picture. None of us could believe it, to be honest."

Wiegman admitted that Burna Boy's appearance came as a huge surprise, explaining that she wanted to savour the moment by dancing and singing with her favourite artist.

"I was very flabbergasted," said the Dutchwoman. "But I thought: 'I'm going to take my moment with him so let's have a little dance with him'. That was incredible.

"I like to dance and I like his music but I totally didn't expect him, so it was such a surprise and I think everyone went out of their mind.

"It was incredible, unbelievable. To see all these people coming to celebrate with us and supporting us throughout the tournament is just really incredible and surreal."

Wiegman is a hugely popular figure in the England camp, having earned the unwavering respect of her players since replacing Phil Neville in 2021.

England captain Leah Williamson summed it up, saying: "She's an amazing woman. She stands by us on and off the pitch. She supports us in whichever way we need and then she's ruthless. If she tells me to jump, I say how high."

Lianne Sanderson, the former England forward, later revealed that she wished she had the opportunity to play under Wiegman during her own career.

"I say it time and time again, I wish Sarina Wiegman was my manager, was my coach, because she's incredible and so are these players," she told Channel 4.

"I think her open and honest communication. It's not for everybody. You know, I say different strokes for different folks, but I would have welcomed that type of communication from Sarina Wiegman. She knows what the players need individually.

"She's open and honest about her communication. We were all clambering for Chloe Kelly to start that game, including myself. Sarina Wiegman brings her on after 30 minutes and we go on to win the game on penalties.

"They don't make it easy on us, do they? Three games in a row now, gone into extra time, and they always find a way. The resilience. Sarina Wiegman's laid down these foundations and it's just incredible."