‘Bigger than just the bonus’ – Lionesses reach agreement with FA over pay

Millie Bright says an agreement has been reached between England players and the Football Association with regard to the dispute that has been ongoing over bonuses and commercial structures.

Just prior to the summer’s World Cup, the Lionesses in a statement tweeted by Bright expressed their disappointment at the matter having not been resolved before the tournament and said they had decided to pause talks with the intention of revisiting them after.

Asked for an update on the situation on Thursday, Bright – who captained the European champions at the World Cup, where they finished as runners-up – told a press conference: “We’ve had a really good conversation with the FA.

“We have come to an agreement, but I think it’s bigger than just the bonus. For us it’s about being world leaders on and off the pitch, and as we know the women’s game is evolving very quickly and conversations like this need to happen in order to make sure in all areas we’re at the top of our game.

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

Bright was speaking before England’s first match since the World Cup, their opener in the inaugural Women’s Nations League against Scotland at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on Friday.

Sarina Wiegman’s team will then continue their Group A1 matches by playing Netherlands in Utrecht four days later. Wiegman revealed at the press conference that striker Alessia Russo will not be involved on Friday.

Russo, who played in Champions League qualifying matches for Arsenal this month, joined up with England later than other squad members following what the FA said was a “period of recuperation”, and Wiegman said of the 24-year-old: “She’s fine, she’s good.

“But before camp I had a conversation with her and I decided that she needed a little more rest. She won’t be available for tomorrow. We’re preparing her for availability for Tuesday.”