In a press conference ahead of the upcoming women’s international break, England captain Millie Bright has confirmed that the England squad have reached an agreement with the Football Association (FA) with regards to an ongoing player bonusses dispute.
It had seemed like the issue may cause disruption ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup a couple of months ago with an agreement not reached. The players, though, decided to put talks on hold in order to focus on the tournament.
After reaching the final of the competition, eventually losing to Spain by a goal to nil in the final in Sydney, talks resumed in recent weeks and a conclusion has now been found between the two parties.
There are no details of the agreement but Bright did suggested the talks have been about ‘more then finances’. The 30-year-old Chesterfield-born Chelsea defender, who also represents Team GB and was formerly at both Leeds Ladies and Doncaster Belles, said:
“We’ve come to an agreement but it’s bigger than just bonuses. For us it’s about being world leaders on and off the pitch. The women’s game is evolving very quickly so conversations like this need to happen to make sure in all areas we are at the top of our game. The conversation was extremely positive. We feel really confident moving forward with the structure we now have in place.”
Elsewhere within the England camp, Sarina Wiegman has spoken of her pride at being announced as the manager for Team GB’s football team at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris next summer.
England play their first matches since the aforementioned 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final defeat this week when the Lionesses take on Scotland on Frriday evening and then a trip to the Netherlands next Tuesday in their first matches of the 2023/24 UEFA Women’s Nations League.
