ENGLAND Lionesses footie boss Sarina Wiegman is set to net an honorary damehood after she was put forward for the gong in the King’s New Year Honours List.
We can reveal the two-time Euros-winning manager’s case is currently being assessed — with sources saying the recommendation is likely to “sail through”.
The honour for Dutch-born Wiegman, 55, would come after ex-England men’s team manager Gareth Southgate became a Sir in last year’s list.
We revealed he had been cleared for the gong last October.
As a Dutch citizen, Wiegman’s case is being scrutinised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Cabinet Office, which oversees the honours list.
Foreign nationals can be given honorary damehoods, with American actress Angelina Jolie among recipients after she was invested by the late Queen in 2014.
IAN AUSTIN
Ban on Tel Aviv football fans coming to Villa Park must be overturned
PHIL THE LOVE
Emotional moment Phil Foden visits Ricky Hatton’s family to pay tribute
They cannot use the title Dame before their name, but are allowed to use DBE, Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, after it.
And the monarch does not “dub” them — tap them on the shoulders with a sword.
A source said: “Sarina is pretty much nailed-on to be made an honorary Dame, even though her case is complicated as she is foreign-born. Each person has a case made for them by civil servants. Sarina’s is likely to sail through.”
Wiegman’s Lionesses beat a powerhouse Spain team in the Euros final in July to lift the trophy for a second time after their 2022 Wembley triumph.
They won on penalties after Alessia Russo grabbed an equaliser, before Chloe Kelly converted the decisive spot-kick.
Russo, 26, Kelly, 27, and keeper Hannah Hampton, 24, have been tipped for lesser gongs in the honours list.
After the Euro 2022 win, captain Leah Williamson got an OBE.
The Cabinet Office did not comment.
Read the full article here