In a twist of footballing fate, England women’s national team assistant coach Arjan Veurink will return to his homeland after this summer’s European Championship—to lead the very side he’ll face in the group stage.  

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) announced on Tuesday that Veurink, the longtime right-hand man of England boss Sarina Wiegman, has signed a four-year deal to take charge of the Netherlands women’s team following the tournament in Switzerland.  

A Mentor vs. Protégé Showdown at Euro 2025

The scheduling adds drama to an already fiery Group D:  

  • July 9, Zurich: Defending champion England, coached by Wiegman with Veurink as her assistant, will face the Netherlands—his future team.  
  • Group D also includes France and Wales, making it one of the toughest draws of the tournament.  

Veurink and Wiegman have a storied partnership, having led the Netherlands to Euro 2017 glory before repeating the feat with England in 2022. Now, their paths will collide in a high-stakes sideline battle.  

Veurink’s Journey: From Apprentice to Head Coach

The 49-year-old Dutchman, who has worked alongside Wiegman for over eight years, called the move a "dream come true" but emphasized his full commitment to England’s Euros campaign.  

"I’ve never hidden my ambition to one day lead the Dutch national team," Veurink said in a KNVB statement. "After eight years learning from Sarina at the highest level, I feel ready to step out on my own—but until then, my focus is 100% on helping England defend our title."

The English FA praised Veurink as a "highly valued" member of Wiegman’s staff, signaling no disruption to their Euros preparations despite the impending transition.  

A Full-Circle Moment for Dutch Football

Veurink’s appointment continues the Netherlands’ tradition of promoting from within, much like Wiegman’s rise before him. His intimate knowledge of both squads adds intrigue to their July showdown—will he hold back tactical insights, or will England’s chemistry prevail?  

What’s Next?

  • Euros 2025: All eyes on the England-Netherlands clash as a potential group decider.  
  • Post-tournament: Veurink begins rebuilding a Dutch side that has slipped since its 2017-2019 peak.  
One thing’s certain: when the whistle blows in Zurich, loyalty will be temporary—but the result will be forever.  

Can Wiegman outwit her former deputy? Or will Veurink get a head start on his new era? The Euros just got even spicier.