The career trajectory of Emma Hayes was one of a late bloomer. Similar stories for soccer players have come in with Jamie Vardy, the prime example. The Leicester City striker started as a non-league soccer player only to climb up the ranks and win the Premier League title in 2016. Let that just sink in. Similarly, Hayes started her career slowly and even got the sack at the Chicago Red Stars. But those memories helped her become the coach she is now. In terms of the Lionesses, a former Liverpool icon expressed doubts.

The decision to extend the contract of England’s head coach, Sarina Wiegman, became one of the talking points. She extended her contract from January 2024 to 2027, leading the side to the Women’s World Cup finals. Hence, Jamie Carragher believes it is an enormous loss for the England women’s team. He discussed with the Mirror the potential regrets England has for letting go of Emma Hayes.

Carragher mentioned, “I think they possibly will. I think the US women’s team has always been one of the strongest nations.” The possible matchup of Sarina vs Emma in the Women’s World Cup final would be a treat for the eyes. It could arguably become the match that sets the highest attendance records in women’s soccer. The two coaches continuously improve the team, with one winning the European Championship and the other an Olympic gold medal.

Carragher continued, “So you bring in Emma Hayes and Emma Hayes for herself going in there, I know she had not the best experience over there beforehand maybe in the club games. So she wanted to maybe show herself a true self if you like.”

Emma Hayes vs Sarina Wiegman could be a stunning contest!

As Carragher mentioned, Hayes would have had a point to prove after her initial struggles in the USA. She joined the Chicago Red Stars and coached the team from 2008 to 2010. But after subpar performances, she received the sack. But after that, she joined Chelsea, and the rest, as they say, is history. Coming to the USWNT, she had a lot to prove after her time in the USA. Therefore, the USWNT is blessed to have a coach of her stature.

After the Olympic gold, the 2027 Women’s World Cup becomes the main target for the coach, even for England’s Sarina Wiegman. With no Olympics for the English team, the World Cup becomes the critical point of success. To sum up, it’s a battle for the ages. We could surely see Jamie Carragher’s doubts about whether the England team deserved Emma Hayes, or not.