Mo Marley says the England women’s team need to stay focused on World Cup qualification, despite the changing managerial situation.

In recent weeks England won 6-0 in the opening game of the World Cup qualification campaign, with allegations of “bullying and discrimination” surrounding then-manager Mark Sampson. Then Sampson was sacked for “inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour” in a previous role, according to the FA, and Marley was appointed on an interim basis.

Marley said of the appointment (via Standard): “It is a privilege to be asked to work with the senior team on an interim basis, especially when I have witnessed the dedication both players and staff have shown to become the third best team in the world.

“It will be my job to step in and ensure they stay focused on the World Cup qualification. We know these players are talented and I know they are capable of great things in the future.”

Marley may only be the job for a few months if she doesn’t end up becoming the permanent successor to Sampson, so it is important the players keep their focus firmly on the football, rather than being distracted by everything that’s going on off the pitch. They showed they can do this in that match against Russia, so it’s just about doing the same again.

The friendly match against France on 20 October will provide the Lionesses with an opportunity to test themselves under new management without any major consequences if they lose.

However, after that, things get more serious, with World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Kazakhstan, so it would be better to keep their foot on the pedal and maintain a high confidence level in the group going into those games.