FA make decision on sacking Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman if Euro 2025 goes badly

Mark Bullingham, the chief executive of the Football Association, has made clear their unwavering support for England head coach Sarina Wiegman, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming Women's European Championship. As England prepare to kick off their title defence with an opening clash against France in Zurich on July 5, there has been considerable talk and doubt over Wiegman's methods following several notable player withdrawals.

When pressed on whether a disappointing performance might prompt the FA to reconsider Wiegman's tenure, Bullingham emphatically stated: "We are delighted that Sarina is in place until 2027, and I don't see any scenario changing that." Wiegman's impressive track record includes leading the Netherlands to European success in 2017 before steering England to Euros glory in 2022, making her the sole coach to clinch a European Championship with two distinct nations across both men's and women's football.

Despite her contract being secured until after the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, Bullingham indicated that now is not the time to engage in future talks, explaining: "I think she is a fantastic coach and she has done a brilliant job for us and we're delighted that she is with us until at least 2027.

"We haven't started to look beyond that time scale yet or engage in those conversations. I think we feel like we've got her locked in for this tournament, the next one, and that feels very good for now."

"That's not to say we wouldn't have a conversation at some point in the future, but it's too early for that."

Although 13 of the current squad were part of the 2022 winning team, some key players from that tournament won't be involved this time. Goalkeeper Mary Earps retired from international football last month, followed by attacking midfielder Fran Kirby.

Millie Bright, who led England to their first World Cup final in 2023, also pulled out to focus on her physical and mental health.

Bullingham added: "In terms of the tournament build-up, I think we feel the team is in a really good place. There have been a number of players who have been returning from injuries and we're delighted we've got them back now.

"Obviously, in a perfect world, you would rather have had some of them playing for at least half a season. That's not the reality but I think we are really confident in the squad we've got going to the Euros."

The lead-up to the 2023 World Cup in Australia was marred by a public dispute between players and the FA over bonus payments, but that won't happen again. Bullingham confirmed: "We've agreed the bonuses with the players. We locked that down a few weeks ago, so we're in a good place on that.

"And the way that works is obviously a percentage of the prize money from UEFA, but that's all been agreed."

Players at Euro 2025 will be guaranteed a share of the prize money received by their national association. Each association is required to allocate between 30-40 per cent of the total distributions received to its players.

The maximum prize money that can be won for the tournament winners, if they also triumph in their three group stage matches, is 5.1million euros (£4.35m).