England boss Sarina Wiegman confirms outcome from player bonus talks after Women’s World Cup heroics

England boss Sarina Wiegman confirms outcome from player bonus talks after Women’s World Cup heroics
News Desk

By News Desk


Published: 30/09/2023

England boss Sarina Wiegman has confirmed the Lionesses have resolved their World Cup bonuses dispute with the Football Association.

Players had previously paused discussions over performance-related bonuses until after the Women’s World Cup.

England reached the final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain in Australia, with Olga Carmona scoring the only goal of the game.

The Lionesses had previously said prior to the tournament that their stance on buses was crucial to the growth of women’s football.

England boss Sarina Wiegman is set to lead Team GB at the Olympics next year

And Wiegman, speaking ahead of her side’s Nations League clash with Scotland, has confirmed the situation has now been cleared up.

“This part is solved and going forward it looks really good,” she said.

“That, of course, makes me very happy because it is good for the players and good for the women’s game to move forward and to take the next step.

“We can now focus on football, which we did anyway at the World Cup too because it didn’t distract.

“When you start playing football you don’t want to have those discussions in that moment.

“We wanted to do that at a later point and that is exactly what happened.”

Captain Millie Bright added: “We have come to an agreement.

“It’s bigger than just the bonus.

“For us it is about being world leaders on and off the pitch. As we know the women’s game is evolving very quickly and conversations like this need to happen in order to make sure that in all areas we are at the top of our game.

“The conversations were extremely positive and as players we feel confident moving forward about the structure we now have in place.”

Prior to the match with Scotland it has emerged Wiegman will manage Team GB if they qualify for the Olympics in Paris next year.

It’s something the Dutchwoman is delighted about and she’s revealed she feels ‘honoured’ to have been selected.

“Of course it is very exciting and I am honoured to be able to get that role,” said the 53-year-old.

“The Olympics is a very special tournament and that is what we want to play – we want to play in big tournaments.

“But there is still a long way to go. We want to bring it back to now. We want to win the Nations League.

“We have to win the group, which is a challenge for everyone in the group. If we win it then we have to do really well in the play-offs in February.

“So there is still a long way to go. I am excited but now really focusing on the game tomorrow.”

Goalkeeper Mary Earps was outstanding during the Women’s World Cup.

Though the Lionesses lost 1-0 to Spain in the final, the Manchester United star saved a penalty from Jenni Hermoso.

Earps has now been recognised by winning England’s player of the year award.

England star Millie Bright has lavished praise on Mary Earps after the Man Utd star won an award

And Wiegman said: “I think she has been significant ever since I came in. She has been in very great form.

“She has been invaluable for the team and had great performances.

“I think basically the whole team deserves awards but she got it and I am very, very happy for her and I am very proud of her and I hope she keeps on performing the way she does.”

Bright added: “From a team-mate and a friend’s perspective I think I have seen Mary’s whole journey.

“I have been through it with her and I am just extremely proud of how she pushes herself and her team-mates every single day.”

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