England head coach Sarina Wiegman has tested positive for Covid-19 during the Women's Euros.
Wiegman will now undertake a period of recovery at the squad's base camp. Her assistant coach, Arjan Veurink, will lead the Lionesses for Friday evening's fixture against Northern Ireland in Southampton. England will hope to have Wiegman back in the dugout for their quarter-final on Wednesday, July 20, where they'll take on Denmark or Spain in Brighton.
The Lionesses confirmed their place in the knockout stages with a record-breaking 8-0 victory over Norway on Monday, having beaten Austria 1-0 at Old Trafford last week. Wiegman described the win as "special" by telling BBC Sport: "We didn't expect to make such a big win as we did, but we played really well, we really exploited their weaknesses and we're really happy.
"But at the same time, it's just one game. We know we're through now, we'll just enjoy the moment and then we just really stay grounded and go to the next game."
Asked to recall her reaction when England went into half-time 6-0 up, the Dutch tactician said: "What's going on here? That was going through my mind. We played well, Norway didn’t have the answers to our game, they didn’t get a press on us and we just worked really well, created chances, scored chances, and it was very enjoyable to watch."
Wiegman's attention then turned to Northern Ireland, planning to play a strong team despite the Lionesses' place in the last-16 already confirmed. "I believe in rhythm," she declared, having named the same starting XI in both previous matches. "I think when you have nine days in between the Norwegian game and the quarter-finals that's too long.
"I think you need more rhythm and keep the focus, and keep playing. So you couldn't expect lots of rotations. During the game, probably, but not before the start. Of course, and I understand [players missing out] too. We have 22 players and you can only let 11 start. We will do what we believe gives us the best chance to win the next game.
"And yes of course some players will be disappointed, but we keep communicating, we keep being clear about what we do and why we do it. Yes, sometimes you can be a little disappointed, that's totally understandable, because if you wouldn't be eager to play than the player wouldn't be in this squad."
