Sarina Wiegman hopeful of returning to touchline for England vs Spain
By Ali Rampling
Sarina Wiegman has admitted she's 'very hopeful' of returning to the touchline for England's Euro 2022 quarter final clash with Spain, having missed the Lionesses' final group stage victory over Northern Ireland due to Covid-19.
Wiegman tested positive for Covid ahead of the Northern Ireland fixture on Friday 15 July, and revealed her symptoms had not been too severe.
Players and playing staff must return two negative tests before they can rejoin up with their squad in full for Euro 2022 matches.
"Of course I'm very hopeful," Wiegman replied when asked how hopeful she was of leading the team out for Wednesday evening's match. "But we'll see what happens. And we do know if I can't be there I'll be I'll be around in another way. I'm good. I'm feeling well, actually ready to go but still have to wait.
"I was in contact with the technical stuff all the time during the [Northern Ireland] game, watching the game. Of course, from here (England's base), so we stay connected all the time and if necessary, that's what we do tomorrow again."
In light of the number of Covid-19 cases, with Lotte Wubben-Moy, Wiegman and most recently Hannah Hampton all testing positive since the beginning of the tournament, the England boss admitted the squad has increased their Covid restrictions.
Wiegman has been able to continue be involved in England training, wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing from the rest of her squad and staff - and she admitted the impact of Covid at the tournament was something England had pre-prepared for.
"The situation changed of course because, well, I got positive," Wiegman added. "So we said well, we're on this journey. We want to do everything to be successful. So then you have to take action. So yes, we did some more strict measurements and everyone understands.
"Of course we were aware before like during our preparations, which started last year. We've always always said: well, we don't know how things develop and hopefully Covid's not around anymore but if it's around, then we have to take measurements.
"That's what we do right now. We're very careful. Very invisible. But we are trying to stay in our bubble and do the right things and hopefully, we keep everyone fit and when there is a positive then we have to again be creative and continue with the ones who are fit."