The Lionesses have been dealt a major blow as assistant coach Arjan Veurink will take over as head coach of the Netherlands women’s team after this summer’s European Championship in Switzerland.
Veurink, who has been Sarina Wiegman’s trusted right-hand man since 2017 first with the Netherlands and then with England played a pivotal role in England’s historic Euro 2022 triumph and their run to the 2023 Women’s World Cup final. Now, he’s set to return home to lead the Dutch national team, signing a contract through to Euro 2029.
“This is not only a great challenge and a wonderful new adventure, it also feels like a logical next step in my career,” Veurink said. “I never made a secret of the fact that one day I wanted to be the manager of the Dutch national team.”
Before his departure, Veurink will still be on the England bench as they battle through the Nations League and attempt to defend their Euro crown a campaign that will include an emotional showdown against the Netherlands in the group stage.
The KNVB’s technical director Nigel de Jong praised Veurink’s deep experience and vision, adding,
“He knows what is demanded at the absolute top and how to stay connected to the grassroots.”
The FA and Wiegman now face the challenge of replacing a key figure in the Lionesses’ recent golden era, one who has been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and tactics. As England targets more silverware in 2025 and beyond, the coaching reshuffle adds a new layer of intrigue to what is already shaping up to be a blockbuster summer for women’s football.
