Impetus’ Aimee Reynolds was at St. George’s Park today to review England training and join the media conference with head coach Sarina Wiegman and captain Millie Bright.
Above: England head coach Sarina Wiegman at today’s media conference at St. George’s Park. Photo: Lucy Atherton for Impetus.
Ahead of England’s first-ever UEFA Nations League game against Scotland tomorrow night at a sold-out Stadium Of Light, Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman and captain Millie Bright spoke to the media at St George’s Park today.
Wiegman revealed that she has decided that Arsenal striker Alessia Russo will be rested for the game considering the fact that she has had such a quick turnaround from recent Champions League qualifying games. Important conversations have been had on what needs to be done to take care of top-level players with such a busy schedule currently. Everyone else appears to be fit and ready ahead of tomorrow.
The clash with the ‘Auld Enemy’ will be England’s first international game back since their defeat in the Women’s World Cup final against Spain. Bright spoke out about how the squad is excited to be back out on the grass together despite the very quick turnaround from the tournament in Australia, allied to the fact that the squad have only had a short amount of pre-season and some are yet to play a game for a club. Regardless, motivations are high for a strong performance.
Throughout the World Cup, there were ongoing conversations around player bonuses and pay, it was announced in today’s media conference by Bright that: “Luckily they are in a position to come to an agreement” with the FA after many talks that have been going on over the past months. The team as a collect are still discussing the future of it.
The Chelsea star also mentioned how important the outcomes of the talks will be for the future Lionesses: “I think it’s the whole package that comes with the game, it’s more than finances, it’s what comes with the next generations.” So far the deals with the FA are undisclosed.
On Wednesday, England keeper Mary Earps was announced as England Women’s Player of the Year which was thoroughly deserved. Both Bright and Wiegman praised their number one: ”She’s been significant since I came in and is on very good form and has great performances.” This is the latest in a long line of awards for Earps, as over the last 14 months, she has been named FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper, Golden Glove at the World Cup, and Barclays WSL Golden Glove Winner 22/23 season.
Wiegman and Bright also shared their thoughts on the news of Baroness Sue Campbell stepping down from her role as director of women’s football at the Football Association next year. The 74-year-old has occupied her role in the FA since 2016.
The Lionesses highlighted Campbell’s “incredible impact on women’s football” and her influence in schools having been a Physical Education teacher previously. Bright summed up Campbell’s influence as: “Incredible with all the work she does for the woman’s game past present and the next generations.”
Lucy Atherton’s photo gallery from England training today at St. George’s Park for Impetus
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