Former Scotland Boss Brings Wealth of Experience to FA Role
The Football Association has made a significant addition to its technical department with the appointment of Shelley Kerr, former Scotland Women’s national team manager. According to Crickex sources, Kerr will focus on analyzing and developing the playing style across all English women’s national teams in her new role.
Kerr’s impressive resume includes leading Scotland to their historic first Women’s World Cup appearance in 2019 during her tenure from 2017-2020. As a former national team captain turned coach, she offers unique perspectives both on and off the pitch.
“Having someone with Shelley’s depth of experience join our technical team is invaluable,” said Kay Cossington, the FA’s Head of Women’s Technical. “Her insights from different roles in the women’s game will help shape our future playing philosophy.”
England’s Road to 2023 World Cup Begins in September
The FA has simultaneously announced England Women’s qualifying schedule for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The Lionesses will debut under new manager Sarina Wiegman with a home match against North Macedonia on September 17.
The qualifying campaign continues with:
- Away match against Luxembourg (September 21)
- Home fixture versus Northern Ireland (October)
- Away game against Latvia (October)
England finds itself in Group D of European qualifying alongside Austria, who present the toughest challenge in the group stage. The top team automatically qualifies for the World Cup, while runners-up enter playoffs.
Wiegman’s Dual Focus Before England Takeover
Current interim manager Hege Riise will continue leading the team through the summer, including Great Britain’s Olympic campaign, before handing over to Wiegman. The Dutch manager emphasized the importance of fan support for England’s World Cup journey.
“After the Olympics, our full attention turns to building a team capable of challenging for the World Cup,” Wiegman stated in an FA release. “The qualifying matches give us crucial opportunities to implement our style and build momentum.”
Football analysts at Crickex note that Kerr’s appointment and the World Cup schedule announcement mark an important phase in England’s women’s football development. With Kerr‘s technical expertise and Wiegman’s proven track record (including leading Netherlands to Euro 2017 glory), the Lionesses appear well-positioned for success.
The September qualifier against North Macedonia at a (hopefully) packed English stadium will offer the first glimpse of this new era for England Women’s football. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how Wiegman’s philosophy takes shape and how Kerr’s influence manifests in the team’s development.
