From Middlesbrough to Oslo: The Story of England’s Only Euro Manager

Gemma Grainger, the 42-year-old head coach of Norway’s women’s team, is an unlikely leader in the world of women’s football. Born and raised in Middlesbrough, England, Grainger has not only defied expectations by taking on the role of head coach at the Euros but has also become the only English manager at the tournament.

Sitting in the sunshine outside a coffee shop near her Oslo flat, Grainger exudes a sense of calm and confidence that is rare in the high-pressure world of international football. Her north-east accent is a giveaway that she is distinctly English, but it’s her infectious enthusiasm and love for the game that has won over the hearts of her players and the Norwegian Football Association.

Grainger’s journey to the top of women’s football has been nothing short of remarkable. She began her managerial career with Leeds United in 2010 and quickly made a name for herself as a talented and dedicated coach. Her experience working with the England youth teams gave her valuable experience of major tournaments, and she was soon snapped up by the Lionesses as an assistant coach for the 2017 Euros.

But it was her appointment as head coach of Norway’s women’s team in January 2024 that marked a new chapter in Grainger’s career. The Norwegian Football Association was looking for a coach who could bring a fresh perspective and a winning mentality to the team, and Grainger was the perfect candidate.

“I was drawn to the challenge of working with a new team and a new culture,” Grainger explained in an interview with BBC Sport. “I wanted to bring a new approach to the team and to help them achieve their goals.”

Grainger’s approach has been a breath of fresh air for the Norwegian team. She has created a “holistic” culture that allows players to be themselves and has encouraged leadership within the team. Her warm and empathetic nature has won over the hearts of her players, including women’s football icon Ada Hegerberg.

“She’s a very empathic woman,” Hegerberg said of Grainger. “She sees the human in you first off and I value that a lot. She’s a very intelligent woman, we’ve had a lot of funny discussions and I enjoy that.”

Grainger’s biggest challenge will come when Norway takes on the hosts, Switzerland, in their opening match at the Euros. But she is confident that her team has what it takes to succeed.

“We want to make sure that we do the country proud but also that you see a team that you enjoy watching,” Grainger said. “The expectation is for us to get out the group, but we’re taking it one game at a time.”

As Grainger prepares to lead her team into the Euros, she is aware of the pressure that comes with being the only English manager at the tournament. But she is not intimidated.

“I’m incredibly proud and privileged to work with this group of players,” Grainger said. “I want to repay that by bringing success to the team.”

For Grainger, the Euros are not just about winning – they’re about making a statement. She wants to show the world that women’s football is just as competitive and just as exciting as the men’s game.

“We’re going to channel everything into every game to get out of that group,” Grainger said. “And then of course, once you get out the group, you take it from there.”

As Grainger and her team prepare to take on the best teams in Europe, one thing is clear – they are ready for the challenge.