The FA have reportedly refused to meet the cost of a chartered plane for the England women’s team ahead of their defence of the SheBelieves Cup and instead are making them take an economy flight from Heathrow.

Phil Neville, Manager of England Women reacts during a press conference for an England Women SheBelieves Cup Squad Announcement at Wembley Stadium on February 18, 2020 in London, England.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 18: Phil Neville, Manager of England Women reacts during a press conference for an England Women SheBelieves Cup Squad Announcement at Wembley Stadium on February 18, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Due to limited availability, business class seats were also ruled out as it would have involved splitting the squad. Why they couldn’t have looked at other flights is not explained.

This is in stark contrast to Lyon, who will pay for a chartered plane to bring Nikita Parris and Alex Greenwood back from the United States, where the tournament will take place, as soon it’s over.

The England’s men’s team AND their u21 side always fly on chartered flights.

Could you imagine Gareth Southgate’s players and staff having to fly – long-haul – in economy to defend any tournament? Or even to play a friendly?