Why so few women have reached the top of football coaching?

“I would hold social media and the Internet more accountable,” Wayne said.

“Social media, and especially with X, is a free-for-all and it’s destroying people.

“We’ve seen examples where women have reached the pinnacle of their careers in sports and then they’ll absolutely collapse on social media, which has a huge impact on the individual and on others who want to move into these roles.

“For me, it’s the responsibility for something that is highly addictive and highly destructive, combined with access to space and sport.”

To address the lack of women-focused research, FIFA launched a Women’s Health and Performance Project, outsider Aims to better support coaches and optimize results for female athletes.

The FA’s head of coach development, Dan Clements, explained that they are “committed to increasing the number of female coaches at all levels of the game by providing clear coaching pathways, accessible qualifications and tailored development opportunities”.

England Under-23s, Under-19s and Under-17s have been led by female domestic coaches in the past three seasons, and last Euro finalists Switzerland, Spain and England both had women in charge.

At the German Football Federation Women in Football 2027 Strategy, outsider which lists a goal as a 25% increase in the number of active female players, coaches and referees.

The FA also highlighted a record number of women, including Beth Meade, Vivienne Miedema, Steph Houghton and Izzy Christiansen, who graduated from the latest UEFA A Diploma team.

However, Clements admits there is room for improvement.

“We recognize that there is still more work to be done.

“By working collaboratively with clubs, leagues and stakeholders across football and listening directly to female coaches, we will continue to evolve and tailor our coach development offer to support the growth of the game.”