Janneke Bijl and Arvid Smit will join England Lionesses’ coaching team after UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 concludes.
Bijl and Smit’s arrivals will see them jointly replace Arjan Veurink who is leaving after this summer’s tournament to become Netherlands’ new manager.
Bijl and Smit are currently the Dutch’s assistant head coaches to Andries Jonker and will now take up the same role under England boss, Sarina Wiegman who is “delighted” to welcome the pair to her coaching staff ahead of 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying, which will commence in the first half of 2026 for UEFA based countries.
“They both have significant coaching experience at national-team level which will be vital to our mission of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The bar is being raised with every tournament, and we need the very best approach if we are going to continue challenging the top teams.
“As well as the quality they will bring to our training sessions and match planning, I have real trust in how they work and how they can complement the rest of the technical team and our environment. I know they are excited by the challenge ahead and I am sure the players will also enjoy working with them.”
Darren Ward will continue as the goalkeeping coach, whilst Geraint Twose will take up a new position within the setup as England Women’s Lead Transition Coach, which will see him support the development and progression of players between the age levels and senior team.
Kay Cossington meanwhile is standing down as Women’s Technical Director and will be replaced in the interim by Gavin Step, with his position temporarily filled by Emma Coates who will balance the role alongside her lead role at Under-23s level.
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