Last updated on .From the section Women's Football

'Marley will bring winning mentality to England'

Mo Marley has been confirmed as interim manager of England women, replacing the sacked Mark Sampson.

Former England captain Marley, boss of the under-19 side, will take charge for the senior team's next three matches.

"It will be my job to step in and ensure they stay focused on World Cup qualification," said the 50-year-old former manager of Everton Ladies.

"We know these players are talented and I know they are capable of great things in the future."

She will oversee a friendly against France in October, followed by World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kazakhstan in November.

Marley also assisted ex-England boss Hope Powell with the senior side during her time in charge.

England were beaten in the semi-finals at both the World Cup two years ago and Euro 2017 under Sampson, and began their 2019 World Cup campaign with a 6-0 win over Russia that turned out to be his final match as manager.

'An extremely challenging time'

Sampson was dismissed on 20 September after evidence emerged of "inappropriate and unacceptable" behaviour with female players in a previous role.

Football Association chief executive Martin Glenn said that a week prior to Sampson's dismissal, he had read the full details of safeguarding allegations made against the 34-year-old in 2014 relating to his time as manager of Bristol Academy, now renamed Bristol City Women.

A 2015 FA assessment found the Welshman did not pose a risk.

Sampson was also cleared this year of wrongdoing following discrimination allegations made by England players, including Chelsea and England striker Eniola Aluko.

Sue Campbell, the FA's head of women's football, said: "This has been an extremely challenging time for everyone connected with the game but, given her vast experience, Mo is absolutely the right person to help guide us through."