As England’s women looked like they were about to crash out of the Euros, most of the country were already resigned to the depressingly inevitable.
But not the smartly-dressed woman at the touchline, watching through her round gold-rimmed spectacles with the quiet confidence of someone who knew something the rest of us didn’t. Then, with a deft wave to her subs, Sarina Wiegman proceeded to give her male Spanish counterpart a tactical masterclass - all without losing her nerve, or the steely glint in her eyes.
If the Lionesses do what England’s men have failed to do for 56 years and bring home a major footballing trophy, much of the credit will be given to this enigmatic, and apparently unflappable, Dutchwoman. The first non-British permanent coach of the women’s team, after she took over from Phil Neville in 2020 they have never lost a game, with only two draws in 17 matches in charge.
