Sarina Wiegman stands little chance of becoming Gareth Southgate’s successor, according to Harry Redknapp.
The England women’s team manager is riding the crest of a wave after leading the Lionesses to consecutive major competition finals.
Wiegman has already written herself in English football folklore having led the Lionesses to their first major trophy at the Women’s 2022 European Championships.
The 53-year-old, who also achieved Euro success managing the Netherlands women’s team, has been backed by many as a potential successor to Gareth Southgate, who has enjoyed a lengthy tenure as the England men's team manager.
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The suggestion was met with scepticism by former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, who said Wiegman would have to “earn her stripes” in the men’s game before taking on such a task.
“She’s not going to be ready to manage the England men’s team. I can’t see that really, to be truthful with you”, he told GB News.
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“I’d be lying if I sat here and said ‘yes, that would be a great idea’, I don’t see that at all.
“If she feels like going into the men’s game, I think she’s going to have to start somewhere and earn her stripes in the men’s game.
“I don’t see her walking straight into the Premier League. She’s done fantastic, but it’s very, very different.
“People who manage England have to prove themselves managing club teams first.
England beat Australia on Wednesday to make the final of the Women's World CupREUTERS“I think if she goes into the men’s game, she’d have to go and manage at whatever level.
“If there’s a bold chairman out there who wants to have a go and break the mould, fantastic.
“If she can do it, it would be great, why not? But I would be lying if I said I could see her being the next England manager after Gareth Southgate, I really don’t see that at all.”
England go into the final against Spain on Sunday as slight underdogs, according to the bookies.
England beat Denmark in their second game of the Women's World CupPADespite Wiegman and co’s heroic 3-1 victory over host nation Australia in the semi final, England remain at 9/5 odds with Bet365, slightly wider odds than the 7/4 offered for a Spanish victory.
The England manager is already proud of her team’s efforts in the competition, but will be keen to see the Lionesses go one step further and bring the trophy home.
She told reporters after the win against the Matildas: "I can hardly describe how proud I am of the team. How this team has adapted all the time, before the tournament, during the tournament and in this game.
"How we've come through and found a way to win is incredible. So many things have changed. Of course, the expectations in England have been high all the time but after winning the Euros, it went up.
“I also think the lives of the players have changed a lot. They've had to adapt to that which has some good things but also some challenges."
The Lionesses take to the Stadium Australia pitch on Sunday at 11am BST for the World Cup final.
Female managers are yet to make many inroads in the men’s game, with Hannah Dingley becoming the first woman to take charge of an English Football League club at Forest Green Rovers in July.
Dingley’s role was only temporary, however, and she has since reverted to her role as academy manager at the club.
