The England job was on the line when SarinaWiegman took it.
The FA never had a women's manager with major tournament winning credentials.
All parties share the risk. With only 10 months before the European Championship, the decision had to be the correct one, and the expectation was raised immediately.
In favour of managing abroad for the first time and implementing her European strategy on a side that had only ever previously been overseen by an English coach, she had to weigh up leaving her homeland and squad.
She was the first non-British permanent Lionesses manager, at a time when investment in the domestic game had outgrown the notion that England Women can compete at international tournaments, but were never really discussed as legitimate candidates for silverware.
The demands of an expectant nation, who have been without senior international footballing glory since 1966, have not changed.
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The Dutchwomen gave the 7.9 million viewers who watched England's victory over Spain a brief glimpse of what relief looks like at the end of the game. There was a fleeting wave of emotion that was quickly dispelled by pragmatism after the match. In front and behind the camera,Wiegman is often under appreciated. It's a way of being.
England has cracked a glass ceiling. Should they win the final, it would ruin it.
That was the order from the man. Put England front and center of success on the biggest stages by taking the team from the fringes of realising their potential.
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Since stepping into the role, she's carried that mantle, but what has followed has far exceeded her own expectations. England's traditionally gloomy summer forecast has been turned into one filled with unforgettable moments that have lit up stadia up and down the country, even when the weather has done its best to damper the occasion.
Generations of football fans, male and female, young and old, will talk about the night the Lionesses shattered European records. Georgia Stanway's extra-time miracle against the Spanish will bring joy to their hearts. They'll always remember the audacity of the backheel finish by Alessia Russo against Sweden, a moment that perfectly encapsulated the impressiveness of the tournament.
This is England's first breakthrough tournament underWiegman. They say they have a permanent seat at the European top table.
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England's fortunes have either been masterminded by a genius tactician or driven by a confluence of positive circumstances all at the right time. Do you mean either?
The influence of the 52-year-old on this squad has been significant. She believes that England will become the first English team to win a major tournament trophy if they win the Women's World Cup.
Who can argue?
Her approach is different than previous ones. She makes decisions that benefit the squad no matter what happens. Prior to the start of the tournament, Ousting a former captain made her feel sentimental.
England teams of old, both men's and women's, have been accused of sticking to old routines. That's not Sarina. Prior to July 6, nine of her selections had never played a second of Euros football.
She endedeared herself to the nation by delivering on her promise. There are no tricks to win over the people. She wants to win football matches by playing a brand of football that entertains crowds, inspiring younger generations, and leaving a lasting mark on the fabric of the footballing community.
We said before the tournament that we wanted to inspire the nation and we are doing that. She said that the whole country was proud of them.
The impact she is making with this team is creating a legacy. If game number 20 is crowned with European glory at Wembley Stadium then her name will be written into the folklore of England.
Unafraid of examination - it comes with the job -Wiegman has named an unchanged starting XI in all five of England's games. She will be the first coach to name the same starting line-up in every game of the Euros if she sticks with that formula.
She made changes to the line-ups when she was in charge of the Netherlands. She used 13 players all tournament when the Dutch won the title five years ago. It's out of her management style.
She knows how to lead a team.
Don't change a winning team. England have not changed. The value of the players on the bench is no more or less deserving than the ones on the field. It's because each of the introductions has been so important that she can't get started.
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She is playing her title role perfectly. Don't forget that Ellen White ran herself into the ground for an hour, moving defenders and questioning their position prior to the arrival of Russo. The strategy works. Plan B, C and D are all ready to be unleashed.
Beth was axed from previous Lionesses squad and Team Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics due to a perceived lack of form.
She's brought a great environment and culture to the team and that's what I think about her. There is a lot of clarity in the way we play. That identity has helped England a lot.
The "no-nonsense" approach ofWiegman has helped build more confidence in performances. The focus is on the strengths of England. The belief that the Lionesses are the team to beat at the tournament has been pervasive, so much so that they were pegged as the favorites to beat Sweden. They did it in a stylish way.
The pressing game has improved. A high press has led to a turnover of possession and soon after a goal for both White and Mead.
It was possible because Walsh won the ball deep in Swedish territory and fed Fran Kirby, who in turn found the intrepid feet of the Man United forward. There is a lot of technicians here.
England have never been better positioned to cap a momentous summer of football with a winner's medal and their first ever major honours on July 31. The camp is not tense. The foundation of Dutch principles is that which the group believes in.
With less than a year to go before the tournament, this side has become a hot favorite and knows how to handle the pressure. Lionesses fans have the right to be very optimistic about what the future holds if this can be accomplished in under a year.
There is a chance that football will come home.
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