‘She can be very proud’, Wiegman sounds salute to Coombs | OneFootball

England manager Sarina Wiegman says Laura Coombs should look back with pride on her career after the City midfielder announced she’ll retire at the end of the season.

After making 147 appearances for the Blues, the 35-year-old will bring the curtain down on her illustrious career which spans over 19 years following Andrée Jeglertz’s side’s final match of 2025/26.

During a fantastic domestic career, Coombs made her England debut in 2015 and made two appearances for her country before an eight-year hiatus.

Her performances for City in 2022/23, though, saw her recalled by Wiegman, and she was then named in England’s squad for that summer’s World Cup, where the Lionesses reached the final.

And in the wake of Coombs’ retirement announcement, Wiegman says the Blues midfielder should be proud for all she’s achieved in football.

“Laura’s contribution to the game has been significant, and she can be very proud of everything she has achieved, both with England and her success in the domestic game,” The Lionesses manager declared.

“Representing your country at different stages of the pathway is a special achievement, and Laura’s journey through the development teams to being part of the World Cup squad in 2023 says a lot about her qualities and her character.

“In my time working with her, Laura always demonstrated the values of what it means to be a Lioness and made a big contribution to the team at an important time.

“I wish her well for the next chapter of her career and thank her for everything she has given to the game. We hope to celebrate Laura’s career at an England match in the near future.”