England Womens’ team backroom staff: Lionesses’ goalkeeping coach, head of medical & sports psychologist revealed
England Women’s national football team has a dedicated backroom staff that plays a crucial role in supporting the team’s success.
Here’s everything you need to know about the team behind the team — the Lionesses go head-to-head with their vanquished foes Germany in a friendly on October 25, 2024.
The backroom team represents a blend of experience and expertise across various aspects of football.
They all work in collaboration to support the Lionesses’ success on the international stage.
Arjan Veurink — Assistant Coach
Arjan Veurink serves as Serena Wiegman‘s right-hand man.
He joined the England setup alongside Wiegman, having previously worked with her at the Netherlands national team.
Veurink’s experience and tactical knowledge complement Wiegman’s leadership, forming a strong coaching partnership.
He plays a key role in deciding tactics and was responsible for the Lionesses switching to a 3-4-1-2 formation during the Euro 2022 group stage.
Geraint Twose — Assistant Coach
Geraint Twose works alongside Weigman and Veurink as an assistant coach.
His role involves working on specific aspects of players’ technical skills and contributing to overall tactical strategies.
He worked with the England Men’s U15 side before taking the position with the Lionesses, having previously worked with the Cardiff City academy for 17 years.
Darren Ward — Goalkeeping Coach
Darren Ward is the goalkeeping coach for the Lionesses.
A former professional goalkeeper himself, Ward has an extensive background in developing goalkeeping talent.
He was appointed when Wiegman took over as head coach in 2021.
His experience includes working with elite players like Dean Henderson during his time at Sheffield United.
Ward’s role focuses on enhancing the skills of goalkeepers including Mary Earps and Ellie Roebuck.
He ensures they are match-ready and capable of performing under pressure.
Ritan Mehta — Lead Team Doctor
Dr Ritan Mehta serves as the lead team doctor for the Lionesses.
He joined the FA in 2014 and has focused worked in football for the past 15 years altogether.
His responsibilities include overseeing player health and managing injuries.
Dr Metha ensures the overall medical well-being of the squad.
Kate Hays — Lead Psychologist
Kate Hays is the lead psychologist for the England women’s team.
Her role focuses on enhancing players’ mental resilience and performance under pressure.
Hays employs various psychological techniques to help the team manage stress, build confidence and improve focus during matches.
Anja van Ginhoven — General Manager
Wiegman regarded Anja Van Ginhoven as an essential addition to her staff when she moved from the Netherlands to England.
Van Ginhoven previously served as a media officer for the Dutch Football Association.
She played a significant role in selecting England’s base camp in Terrigal for the 2023 World Cup, ensuring that the team had access to top-notch facilities and an optimal location to compete effectively at the World Cup.
Kay Cossington — Head of Women’s Football
Kay Cossington is the Head of Women’s Football at The FA and has been pivotal in shaping women’s football in England.
She joined The FA in 2005 and has been instrumental in implementing initiatives to revamp the girls’ talent pathway, making football more accessible while increasing participation rates among young female players.
Cossington’s contributions have been recognised with an MBE for her services to association football in 2024, highlighting her significant impact on women’s football development in England.