Millie Bright, who is Eriksson’s centre-back partner will remain as vice-captain after assisting Carney so well in her role last season.

Bright is also a key member of the Chelsea team and has been a part of both our domestic Doubles, plus the Spring Series triumph in 2017, and is a well-established player in the England squad.

Only three players started more matches than Bright last season and she took the armband on eight occasions.

The duo have a strong understanding at the heart of the Chelsea defence and have made 186 Chelsea appearances as a collective.

Manager Emma Hayes had a stiff task in selecting a new captain for the forthcoming season as she says her team has many leaders.

‘This is the first time I’ve had multiple leaders within the group so it’s extremely difficult to select a captain on that basis,’ said Hayes.

‘There are lots of players who can lead the team without wearing the armband but as I’ve realised more and more after Katie Chapman and Karen Carney, they are big shoes to fill and the responsibilities are not just on the pitch. I’ve taken my time to work through that.’

On the decision of making Eriksson her captain, Hayes said:



‘First of all it’s not a reflection on anybody else,but more the fact that Magda is most ready to lead the team in the season.

‘She’s maturing all of the time off of the pitch, she’s a good communicator, she’s not a afraid to tell people what they need to do. She’s honest and reflective and I think her alongside Millie will lead the team throughout the season.

‘I know that she is super proud and honoured to be given the armband and I think she will wear it the same level that those have prior to her.’